SÁNCHEZ FLORES: "WE WANT TO REMOVE THE FEAR OF FAILURE THAT HAS BEEN HOLDING US BACK"

Quique Sánchez Flores is looking for his squad to be focused ahead of the Derbi at the Benito Villamarín. 

Speaking to the press two days before the encounter, the coach believes that this cross-city clash is "something you truly feel in the city, from the people, whoever you talk to constantly reminds you of it... We're very excited, we're really focused on this unique, special, different match... let's hope it turns out the way we want it to."

"I don't know if we'll see something different, it depends on how we interpret the match and how the day goes, how our opponents are feeling, etc. It's not just about the line-up or formation, there are many other emotional factors at play. The opponent matters, they study you, they measure you, they know your weaknesses, etc. We're not performing at our best, they will surely try to get through where we aren't comfortable. We're also watching them and we'll look for options that are favourable for us", he continued.

"We have seen matches where other teams have played well against Betis and kept the ball from them"

Quique added that "we'll try to stop Betis dominating the game and keep it tight. We have seen matches where other teams have played well against Betis and kept the ball from them. We have to be focused, but often whether you play well or not depends on other things. I hope we can move up the table and remove the fear of failure that has been holding us back, but that doesn't happen overnight."

"I have to be very humble ahead of this derby, because there are a lot of players here who know far more than me what this match is all about. I share their experience with them to prepare for it. From the first day we have had to rein in the excitement and we have to manage that well. It's easy to not end these matches with eleven men and it's important to be intelligent", he explained.

"We've been indebted to the fans all season, let's hope we give them what they want this Sunday"

As for the fans, Quique highlighted that "we've been indebted to them all season, the players know it. We can make a breakthrough and it would be fantastic to give them what they want this Sunday. I know that so many people applied for tickets in the ballot [over ten thousand] and hopefully we can make the fans at home happy."

To finish, he offered his thoughts on our opponents and their coach: "Pellegrini has been a coach for longer than I have, I admire him and I've faced him many times at many teams. He truly represents our profession, he's thorough, intelligent, and always keeps his head above and beyond the results. Betis try to play well, with four at the back and two holding midfielders, while their attackers have freedom. They work well together and have done so for years. They have been competing consistently for many years."