Lopetegui during the press conference before CD Mirandés

LOPETEGUI: "WE'VE GOT A FINAL COMING UP TOMORROW"

29/01/2020
"Mirandés are one of the best teams in their league. They knocked out Celta and haven't lost at home since August"

Sevilla FC's manager, Julen Lopetegui gave his habitual pre-match press conference this afternoon before the team travel up north for tomorrow's Copa del Rey Last 16 match against CD Mirandés. After the final training session before the encounter, he started off his press conference by saying: "We've got a final coming up tomorrow, and finals are all or nothing games. They're even more so in this format and especially against a good side who have already knocked out Celta and haven't lost at home since August. They're a top side, difficult to play against and play good football. There are no second chances in the cup".

"En-Nesyri woke up feeling ill, and we'll evaluate the situation over the course of the day and see how he comes on - that's why he wasn't training".

"We have to come up against them in difficult circumstances, because they are very strong at home"

Speaking about the game tomorrow, he said: "The tricky thing about the pitch is the team that plays on it; in this case it's Mirandés and it's because they're very well organised. I think they're one of the best teams in their league. They've got a very good record at home and we have to be at our best tomorrow to play against them in what will be a very tough game. Being the higher ranked team isn't something that worries us. We know that in this format, there are no second chances given. When the tie is played over one leg, the margin for error reduces significantly".

"The only way to approach a final is to give your all in every aspect. We're going into the game with all the respect in the world for the opposition, but we too have a good side. The focus has to be on what we ourselves can do, and we have to prepare well in order to carry this out to the best of our ability".

"We're going into the game with all the respect in the world for the opposition"

Lopetegui rounded off his press conference by speaking about the possible arrival of Suso to the Nervión outfit: "I know that this deal is definitely open and a possibility, but nothing is official yet. If he does join us, he will definitely help us. He's a player that fits in with the club's and the coaching staff's wants and needs. However, he hasn't arrived yet and the important thing for us is tomorrow's match. We have a final to play and the most important players are the ones that are here; they are the ones who are going to try and help us qualify for the next round".