Julen Lopetegui ahead of Sevilla FC-Deportivo Alavés

First team

LOPETEGUI: 'THEY'RE IN GOOD FORM AND KNOW THEIR GAME'

19/11/2021

"They've won 10 of the last 12 points. It's going to be very difficult."

Sevilla FC manager Julen Lopetegui appeared in front of the media this Friday afternoon in the pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow's match against Deportivo Alavés, matchday 14 in La Liga. Julen began by saying "the context of La Liga forces us to prepare in differing situations. Our opponent has had two weeks to prepare the match with all of their players bar Loum. But we have to be mentally ready for the challenge, it will be very difficult. Looking at the last four matches, they would be top of the league - 10 points from 12. They play well, they combine well out on the pitch with good players and a good manager."

"They're a complete team and can play in different styles with the ball and going more direct. They're in form and know how to play as a team. It will be a tough match," Lopetegui added.

Regarding injuries in the squad, Lopetegui answered that "we have various players who haven't come back in the best conditions and others have given us a bad surprise. We'll have to wait until tomorrow to see what we can do - we don't have much more information than that at the moment. I'm a coach and not a doctor and the club doctors make those calls. I hope En-Nesyri can be back as soon as the manager of Morocco said he would take."

Julen continued saying "the most important thing is that we get as many players back as possible and then we'll make the call if they can start or come off the bench. We need all of our players for what's to come. All of the squad need to be ready for the call."

Speaking about our draw in the first round of the Copa del Rey, Lopetegui said "Córdoba are a big team historically and they're top of their group so we will have to prepare well for the match. But we will focus on that when it comes around."