GUDELJ: "WE'VE GOT ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY ON SATURDAY TO MOVE ONE STEP CLOSER TO OUR GOAL"

04/03/2020

The Serbian centre-midfielder showed his ambitions in an interview where he thanked both Monchi and Lopetegui for the confidence shown in him; as well as being happy with the bond between the team and the fans

Nemanja Gudelj was the guest on Sevilla FC's latest edition of 'Cara a Cara'. The Serbian centre-midfielder first of all spoke about the couple of rest days that the team had, as Lopetegui's men only returned to training yesterday in the build up to Saturday's fixture: "We had a few rest days and now we're well and prepared for the next game. We haven't had that many free days in the past few weeks and not a lot of time to relax".

Getting down to business, one of the things that Gudelj wished to point out was the togetherness that the group had shown by getting through the past few games: "We've had tricky moments where things haven't went our way and we stuck together as a team against CFR Cluj, where we had to go to war - even though we could have managed it better. Then against Getafe we won in a way which they didn't like and against Osasuna, they scored twice against us to draw level which can't happen; but at the end we showed everyone the team that we are with the togetherness between us and the fans".More precisely, speaking about the game in the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez, it was a game that the Serbian wished to speak more about: "We won back our confidence after the game against Getafe. Beforehand, of course we believed in ourselves, but it was obvious that we needed that win".

After having achieved good results in these most recent matches, Gudelj stated that it's something they must continue on Saturday at the Wanda Metropolitano: "I'm happy with how the team are playing. Every team goes through good and rough spells and right now, we're in a pretty good spell, with Saturday being another opportunity to move one step closer to our end goal". So that everything works, togetherness is always important; not only inside the dressing room, but with the fans as well. He went on to highlight the celebration against Osasuna: "It's so important that the team and the fans are together. The celebration against Osasuna was vital. It put a smile on my face whenever I saw the photo because this makes you win games as well".

"If anyone falls down, we get up for them"

Gudelj spoke about how he ended up where he is today, receiving the call from his dad and playing under Julen Lopetegui: "It's up to the manager, but we have a number of ways of playing. It depends on the situation where I see myself playing. It also depends on if we're playing against other midfielders who are more attacking and doing them as much damage as possible". Lopetegui's plans for the next few games will have to be altered due to Fernando being ruled out: "We feel so bad for him. When we saw him pull up on the pitch we knew it wasn't good. In the last four games I've played in there beside him and I was very sorry to see him go off. However, now, we need to show the type of team we are. If anyone falls down, we get up for them".

Gudelj, who before playing in Nervión was in China, amongst other places, said that he was happy to be here: "I knew that I wanted to come here, but now that I've got more games under my belt, I'm even happier. Helping the team win games makes you happy". Likewise, he spoke about his preferred position in the middle of the pitch: "In the last few seasons I've always played as the defensive or sitting midfielder, and before I used to join in the attack as well. If I were to choose, it would be wherever the manager needs me to play. The truth is that where I feel most at home is in front of the defence".

"When Monchi called me, I felt that the club wanted me and that was important"

He again spoke about his fitness and wellbeing in a general way since his arrival at the club, stating that: "right now I feel good. I feel strong and have no problems, which is really helping the confidence and consistency I have. I couldn't let the chance to come to Sevilla pass me by". He went into more detail on that strength and leadership, and was asked about one day wearing the captain's armband for the club: "I've always felt like a leader and of course I would love to become captain".

The Serbian also spoke about the impact of Monchi and Lopetegui when he arrived: "Many things motivated me. The first was Monchi, as I felt that the club wanted me and this was important. The next was Lopetegui and his confidence. Moreover, it's obvious that a player would always love to play in a club with such incredible fans". He was asked about managers in general, stating that at every club he has been at, he has always kept himself close to the managers: "I always like the manager to talk to me and also take on board my opinions".

"I'd like to be here for a long time"

Gudelj went on to speak about styles of play and how he likes both direct football and maintaining possession: "There's keeping hold of the ball, but depending on who you play against this might help you, or it might not. However, playing more directly can also help you".

To round off the interview, he indicated his idea of staying here for a long time: "I'd like to be here for a long time because, for example, to become captain of the team as I said beforehand, you can't just do it in one year". He also set some objectives for his time at Sevilla: "I want to play in the Champions League with Sevilla, win the Europa League and feel like an important player, by staying here for a long time".