SAMPAOLI: "DORTMUND ARE ENJOYING A SPELL OF STRENGTH AND CONFIDENCE"

Jorge Sampaoli is looking for his team to take a step forward tomorrow as they face Borussia Dortmund in MD4 of the UEFA Champions League Group Stage. 

"You'll see the progress on the pitch. What I want to emphasise is everyone's intention to adapt quickly to a way of living together that has the same approach that we have. We're trying to develop a way of working together as a group so we can conserve strength and have a competitive team."

"The first step is competing against any opponent on equal terms. We are already developing strategies on the pitch to try to convince a team that is not coming from previous negative spells, but very positive ones. We have to regain our memory quickly."

After Papu Gómez spoke at the press conference, the coach made it clear that he is expecting a step forward from his players.

"They have to be motivated and show me they want to make things happen for the badge on their shirts and for the squad, that will make the team feel comfortable. With our arrival, what's most important for us is organisation and building something together, our efforts can't be isolated, we all have to contribute."

"We'll see how Marcão responds to his recovery"

As for team news, Sampaoli did not rule out Marcão but said that a decision will be made soon, before commenting on Fernando. 

"I want Marcão to play in every game, but there's a situation and we'll see how he responds to his recovery because he hasn't been playing. We'll see how he feels during training today and then tomorrow."

"As far as I know him, because I've come up against him before, I think he's a player that needs to compete in order to get into shape. If he overcomes little knocks, the best thing that can happen for him is playing."

"Fernando is a player I'd like to be able to call upon but that isn't down to me. I'm not sure what's happening on the medical front, I've been told his recovery is slower than normal and let's hope that one day he gets up and feels better. He hasn't recovered enough and the team needs him, because he's a very capable player, as he has demonstrated."

"When the team plays without pressure they will surely start to feel better"

As for the team, he believes that confidence is key to solving their problems.

"I've watched every Sevilla match since I left in 2017, because of my memories and the people who were here, but I think there's a human side that can change things on the pitch."

"There are very good players but the team hasn't found the security of something that identifies them in the game. When the team loosens up and plays without pressure they will surely start to feel better. We're working on this, to calm things down on the pitch and sharpen up when it comes to winning the ball back."

When asked about their fitness, Sampaoli focused on the style of play.

"My verdict is that the team isn't doing well, they've had negative results and have a lack of hope, it's difficult. The players are putting in a huge effort and they're not getting results. In that sense you can see some incorrect conclusions. Sometimes the team doesn't run well and sometimes they look a bit more decimated."

"When the team adopt the new style of play, that will make the fitness aspect become a point relating to the group. There's a lot of things, but those aspects are better if a team plays well. If we don't have the ball, due to the characteristics of the team it will be difficult for the team, because the team is built to play."

"Dortmund have key players and a very strong squad"

The Argentine believes that his team's talented individuals need to work better on a collective level.

"They are very experienced players who have great achievements. Papu made the difference in Italy, Fernando won titles here and he's respected, not to mention Isco... but like everyone else they have to find responsibility in the game."

"We came here to build something that has to do with our form and we'll need players who will allow us to give our all. I think they're doing it but I think we need to find a shape that identifies us."

To finish, he commented on our opponents, Borussia Dortmund.

"I think Dortmund have key players and a very strong squad. They're enjoying a spell of strength and confidence. Since we arrived, I've been focused on my team's progression and I want them to have the decision to come here and play at a great stadium and enjoy themselves."

"We have to try to counter the abilities of those players who will make things difficult for us if we don't have the clarity to play a match from where we can do it, which will make a solid and determined team uncomfortable."