First team

SAMPAOLI: "I CAN RELATE TO HOW THE PLAYERS ARE FEELING, I BADLY WANT THINGS TO CHANGE AS WELL"

13/01/2023

"They have a clear game plan, they play the same way against everyone and they play naturally. They are bold, brave, they play well...", he said of Girona FC.

Sevilla FC coach Jorge Sampaoli spoke at a press conference this afternoon ahead of tomorrow's game against Girona FC. The Argentinian coach began by commenting that "results are decisive in making progress. We are making progress as a group in a way of playing that will allow us to get out of the situation that this club is not used to."

"Winning would mean continuing to move forward in a calmer climate and being sure about every step we take. It's going to be extremely difficult, they've one of the best styles of play in LaLiga and we'll have to be very good to get the win. It's a tough test."

"The first thing will be to see how we get on and that our style works. From there, it's up to our opponents and how to resolve what they present to us. We are trying every day for the group to develop concepts that will help them to solve problems on the pitch that the opposition pose," he continued.

Sampaoli responded about the condition of some of his players: "The week has been one of preparation, of working intensely on concepts, getting everyone on board... There is a lot of enthusiasm to try to make this a game that allows the team to get out of its current position. Rekik has only done one training session with us. Youssef trained partially yesterday due to an ankle problem and Carlos Álvarez rested for two days and is now back."

"I take things from their style of play and try to incorporate that into my own team"

On tomorrow's opponent, Girona FC: "They have a clear identity and they play the same away each game, no matter who it is against. They are bold, brave, they play well... When I watch them, I take things from their style of play and try to incorporate that into my own team," he added about Girona FC.

"I am able to relate with my players because they really want to change the way our season is going. We are still at an early stage, but some players have developed a lot and that makes me happy as a coach. Now we have to take the next step, which will take longer," he remarked about his own team.

"Some players have developed a lot and that makes me happy as a coach"

Sampaoli also said that " to be distracted by the transfer market would take my concentration away from the team's performance. There is a person in charge of this, who has been the most successful in the world in the last few years, who will see who comes and goes because there will always be economic restraints. I trust in him and on the 31st January, when the transfer window shuts, we will see what has happened. For now, my job is to focus on who we currently have".