Julen Lopetegui in the press conference before Deportivo Alavés
First team

LOPETEGUI: "MATCHES AGAINST TEAMS IN DIFFICULT SITUATIONS ARE THE TOUGHEST ONES"

03/03/2022
"There will be many absentees but we will focus on those that will be there and those who will help" he noted

Sevilla FC coach Julen Lopetegui appeared at midday on Thursday at the press conference before the game tomorrow against Deportivo Alavés in Vitoria which will be the twenty-sixth matchday in the league. The Basque coach started by saying that "every game is complex and difficult and even more so against teams with good players and an experienced coach. They are playing to get out of a difficult situation and these games for me are the most complex. We have to prepare to compete against them and win." 

"We have problems both with Diego Carlos and Martial, as well as other players. We will see the squad list tomorrow but there will be many absentees. We will focus on those who will be there and those that will help us. As some doors close others open for those that want to help us to win every game. There will be a lot of players missing, a lot more than we wanted without a doubt. Our plan is for our players to recover and to be able to be competitive in every game" he continued. 

"Nothing that we have done before helps you to win again, it's ancient history"

Lopetegui added that "what you have done before doesn't help you to win again. It's all ancient history and we are focusing on Alavés to be a competitive team with the great difficulties that we have. We always go out to get the three points and tomorrow will be no different." 

The Sevilla coach was asked about Jesús Navas and about the key players from the opponent: "Jesús played a whole game after more than three and a half months. He has to continue improving and developing and getting back to his best although it is good news without a doubt. Alavés don't just have Joselu but also Edgar, Rioja, Jason... Our aim is to play well to overcome this strong opponent." 

"As time passes and you play more you should feel better"

"The more you play, the more steps you take forward. Not only him but also all the players, those who haven't played as much as well. As time passes and you play more, you should feel better. This is good for him and for the team" he finished by talking about the progress of En-Nesyri.