RAMOS: "OUR APPROACH IS BEGINNING TO PAY OFF AND WE WILL TRY TO KEEP IT GOING"

Sergio Ramos was one of the players to take part in the Club Media Day organised by Sevilla and LaLiga in the build up to the showdown with FC Barcelona. Speaking during the event, the centre-back revealed that he was feeling in good physical shape: "No issues, far from it, but when you return from time off, no matter how much you train, you have to go through the process of building up minutes, rythm and match sharpness. But I'm doing well, training-wise, with the rest of the group and in terms of time on the pitch." 

On the progression of the team, he assures that "it's been a summer of transition for the club, with players coming and going. You need to build continuity in the group and start to work towards objectives with a settled side. Even since I arrived, we've used the last two weeks well, developing and working as a team to get results. This approach is beginning to pay off and we will try to keep it going." Such a convincing win against Almería is the clearest evidence the strategy is working so far: "It was one of those days where everything just works perfecly. We executed our plans really well against a team that is struggling at the moment. These factors in addition to playing at home in front of our supporters was an ideal combination and helps us build momentum, which is vital for the players and the fans in order to keep growing as a collective. The season is very long and we will definitely make the most of it."

"They are direct, with pace on the wings and it'll be a good game"

Now, onto Barcelona: “You have an extra bit of motivation when you face the best teams, those who compete in the Champions League. Whether you like it or not, those type of teams take things up a level. They’re favourites in all competitions, so if we won it would give us a huge boost. It’s a different stadium, yet they still have the same players, but we will go there and give everything. They’re a very direct team and very quick on the wings, so it should be brilliant match.” Although he has a fraught history with Barca, Ramos remains focused: “The only thing I’ll be worrying about is making sure we maintain a strong defensive line, protect the goal and remain solid across the pitch then we can lay the foundations for creativity up top.

To close, he spoke about the expectations surrounding his return to the club and the impact of the media attention: “I’m doing well. I spent many years in Madrid, where I was also captain, so that comes with an intense level of public scrutiny, as well as involving yourself in marketing and interviews. I welcome everyone with open arms. I have always been transparent and when called upon, I speak up. People might notice I actually like to speak more when we lose than when we’re winning.