First team

SAMPAOLI: "IF WE WANT TO FINISH THIRD WE HAVE TO WIN"

30/04/2017

"One false move would put our position in danger," said the manager.

Jorge Sampaoli says Monday's game against Málaga is a must-win if his side are to stay in the hunt for third place in LaLiga.

The Sevilla manager sat down with the media ahead of the game at La Rosaleda, and believes his side are ready for a tough test against their Andalusian counterparts.

"They [the players] are ready, beyond the few niggles we had after the game against Celta," said Sampaoli at the Ciudad Deportivo. "We are playing almost every three days and we have to play whoever is feeling 100%, because in games as decisive as these we need the best intensity from everyone."

"It's a complex scenario for Sevilla. In the last five games Málaga have shown their strength, especially at home. They beat Barcelona and it's going to be difficult for us, but we have to go there looking to win because Atlético won and if we want to finish third, we have to win."

Saturday saw wins for all of the teams around Sevilla in the table, with Atlético Madrid beating Las Palmas 5-0.

Asked about the subsequent added importance of Monday night’s game, Sampaoli said: "Not just them [Atlético], Athletic won, as did Real Sociedad and Villarreal. There haven't been big changes [to the table] and we need to win because the rest all won and we don't have room to slip up.

"With the fixtures that we have, one false move puts our position in danger."

"One false move puts our position in danger"

Sevilla remain on course for setting a club-record points total for a season in the top flight, but Sampaoli insisted that Champions League qualification is the sole aim as the season draws to a close.

"What motivates us is the necessity for the club, for the fans, to see Sevilla in the Champions League,” explained the 57-year-old. “We're here to achieve our objectives and I would like the team to be in the Champions League next season, more than reaching the club's points record."

Seville's famous Feria descended on the city on Saturday, but Sampaoli insists that his attention is firmly focused on the four remaining games.

"What we do is so exhausting in this, the final part of the season, that I wouldn't feel good or enjoy it, because my mind is focused on each game," he said. "Beyond the desire to reach our objectives, there is a lot of stress and lots to analyse, so I can't enjoy that."

Asked about his future at the club amid speculation surrounding the Argentina national team job, Sampaoli affirmed his commitment to the club.

"Today I'm thinking about the present," he said. "I'd die for the team and if I don't reach our goal it would be for ability, not commitment. I'm totally focused on what we have to do between now and the end of the season and it deserves all of my attention."