Sampaoli, at his pre-match press conference

First team

SAMPAOLI: "OUR REALITY IS TRAINING, COMPETING AND MAKING A MASSIVE EFFORT"

20/01/2023

"To do otherwise would generate fear and urgency, and that would not help at all. Unity will be what gets us out of this uncomfortable situation, not beating ourselves up," he stressed.

Sevilla FC coach Jorge Sampaoli held a press conference on Friday afternoon ahead of tomorrow's game against Cádiz CF. The Argentine coach began by stressing that "we're working hard for everything that's coming up, in La Liga and in the cup. We are trying to add players."

"With the arrival of Lucas, and his long stretch on the sidelines, we need to get him up to speed quickly. I don't think he's ready for many minutes or for his best form. He's been working well and making an effort with a great desire to be able to help, as is the whole squad."

"The reality for us is competing, training, working hard and making a huge effort. We don't pay attention to much outside of that. That would generate fear and urgency, and that wouldn't help anything. Unity will be what gets us out of this uncomfortable situation and not beating ourselves up. We want to have the support on our side to help us try and win a difficult game, otherwise, the players will sense it and it will be tougher."

"For me, it is a tough and interesting challenge as a coach. We work all the time on making quick changes. We have to separate ourselves from the non-sporting side of things so we don't get distracted. We have to be brave, go for the games and not let anything distract us," he continued.

"It's not about where you lose the ball, it's about having a clear idea of how to play"

The plan of how to play a game is determined by your structure and that of the opponent. In Girona, we played a passable game, a good game, and we ended up losing because of one play. In the build-up we didn't lose possession that much, but we did for their goals. It's not about where you lose the ball, it's about having a clear idea of how to play and to take on opponents with the ball. I wouldn't have been hired to play for aerial balls. There are situations that are analysed punctually and not generally".

"I have to work with what I have, not imagine what it would like to have. I'm focused 100% on my squad and I give them the tools to have the best chance of winning the game and of getting through the next round in the Cup. We always want someone to come in who can solve what the team can't as a collective. The arrival of players in the last week means they need a settling-in period. We don't have much time. I try to get the best out of what I have. If someone arrives to help us get out of our tough spot, then even better."

"I'm focused 100% on my squad and I give them the tools to have the best chance of winning"

"Lamela can play as a number nine, he gives us movements that unsettle the opposition defence and gives us a fresh perspective and adds another player there. If he uses that resource of knowing how to move, he helps us a lot in the opposition's half to close down the lines, which gives us a compact team."

"Rakitic, meanwhile, arrives late in the box, he isn't there to start with. In his career, he has been very dangerous coming forward from midfield. We have other players to start in the box. For us, Ivan in the attacking third is music to my ears because he reads the game very well. As for Delaney, for me he's a more delayed midfielder like he was at Dortmund," he concluded, analysing several of his players.