PAPU GÓMEZ: "THESE TYPES OF COMPETITIONS ARE SOMETHING ELSE AND WE MUST RISE TO THE OCCASION"

Papu Gómez was in attendance for the pre match press conference ahead of Thursday´s game up against Dinamo Zagreb. Gómez accompanied Julen Lopetegui and started by discussing his thoughts ahead of the game: "I feel very good, ready to switch the focus and try to take another step forward in Europe, in a competition well liked by Sevilla and we will try to go as far as we possibly can. Tomorrow´s game is at home and all the Sevilla fans are excited, for sure. We know it is important for all of them and these types of competitions are something else and we must rise to the occasion. We are going to try and come away with a good result to take to Croatia." 

With regards to the Croatians, Gómez highlighted that "it´s a team I know very well, a an aggressive outfit that dominates the Croatian league and is used to these types of games. We know that they´ve become strong in Croatia so we know we must try to get the upper hand." In addition, Gómez talked of the team´s aspirations for the rest of the season: "There is long way to go and we will see how far we can go in both the league and Europe. The team is very ambitious and will fight until the end. The fact that the final will be played in Sevilla adds extra motivation. I am very happy in Seville, we hope that there will be many fans because not too long ago we were playing in empty stadiums so we are happy just as long as there are some fans there."

In closing, Papu talked about his form: "I think I am playing well. I am playing in different roles, the manager is giving me confidence and I feel comfortable. Everything is about keeping up this run of form and feeling my best in the game, physically and mentally. I hope it continues this way."