SAMPAOLI: "ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN IN FOOTBALL AND WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THINGS GO IN OUR FAVOUR"

Jorge Sampaoli appeared in the PSV Stadion press room to analyse the second leg of the UEFA Europa League playoffs. The Sevilla coach, who spoke to the media after Suso, spoke first of all about his vision for tomorrow's clash: "The vision that I have for the best way to manage the game is different to what actually happens on the pitch. We must keep possession and control the tempo of the game against an opponent that is capable of playing well... they were all over us in the first 20 minutes and then we hit them at just the right moments."

"Anything can happen in football and all we have to make sure things go in our favour, because if they don't, our opponents will look to turn the game around. We have to play a game that allows us to assert ourselves". He pointed out that "if we score a goal early it will change the mood, just as if it happens the other way around. The game will dictate what is possible, in modern football, the context of the match affects certain players and Sevilla have to get hold of the ball collectively and neutralise the opposition."

He was also asked about the inconvenience of competing on both Thursday and Sunday with the two competitions: "When I talk about our situation and about thinking of a European competition, I mean that there is a certain difficulty in LaLiga that we can't ignore. We have had setbacks that have caused us to make some structural changes, in that sense, it's very dangerous to say anything..."

"First we have to get out of our situation and then know who we are and where we're going. There are quite a few setbacks, but there is a better overall performance and that is my hope, that through team commitment the two tournaments will be balanced."

"Anything can happen in football and all we have to make sure things go in our favour"

In terms of individual players, the Argentine responded about Youssef En-Nesyri: "En-Nesyri is still recovering from the World Cup, he's not playing 100% of the matches, tomorrow we'll try to get him to play as long as possible, but I don't know if he'll play on Sunday because it will depend on his fitness."

"There are many World Cup players like that, he is a vital player because he is at the peak of his powers... a player with his characteristics needs people to assist him the way he wants and he has developed relationships that have allowed him to be in front of goal. That provokes a certain degree of respect and fear that makes the man an important player."

He also acknowledged the good performances of the goalkeepers: "We have two very good goalkeepers, but I think that Bono is in a very good rhythm and is crucial and that makes me choose him. It seems more logical to me that the one who is accumulating minutes should play."

To close, he reiterated what is required to be in the UEFA Europa League round of 16 draw on Friday: "In football, a lot of things can happen, but I just think that we have to play a good game. In the second half, there was a difference between our performances and I hope that we play better than our opponents and that through our football we have the means to go through to the last 16."