CAPARRÓS: "ON SUNDAY WE WILL NEED THE WHOLE CROWD BEHIND US"

Our Head Coach, Joaquín Caparrós, addressed the media in the pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s fixture against CD Leganés, which will be played at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, kicking off at 16:15 CEST.

He began by highlighting the team’s preparation: “It’s been a good week overall, with the only setback being Sow, who has some muscle strain but is improving. We’re also delighted to have Dodi available again. It’s been a dynamic week with a good atmosphere. We’ve worked on key concepts across all areas of the team. The lads are fully focused, but in football, the only thing that counts is winning. The team’s attitude is excellent – these three points are crucial for us. Jesús has been with us, and just his presence adds a lot. Now is the time, while we’re going through a tough spell, to give everything we’ve got and put the players first.”

Caparrós went on to say, “I feel a huge sense of responsibility. When Sevilla call, you have to show that you’re 100% committed – that’s always been my way. I know where we are, but we have to take things game by game. This is the most important match of the whole season – these three points mean everything. After that, we’ll see. Hopefully things go our way, and then we can start thinking about the next one. We’re not thinking about the consequences of this match – that would only be a distraction. Everyone’s focus has to be on getting a good result in this game.” 

"The fans will be behind us on Sunday, we need to give them something to celebrate"

“We need the Sánchez-Pizjuán to be a fortress. You have to show your feelings and your love for the club when it matters most. Sometimes we take that support for granted, but now is when we need the fans to embrace the team, to spur them on. They must stand by their players – and whatever comes next, will come. Being a Sevillista is about being there unconditionally, not picking and choosing your moments. The fans will be behind us on Sunday, we need to give them something to celebrate. It's been far too long since they've had something to cheer about.”

"They have to believe in themselves, and then others will believe in them"

Caparrós also said, “Being in a difficult position can have an effect, of course – but we’re focusing on the exact opposite. We’re focused on bringing out the best in this team. Football is a game, even if there are a lot of factors surrounding it, but we are completely locked in on this match and on getting the three points.”

“We’ve worked hard on the mental side of things, on being strong defensively, and on making the most of our attacking strengths. No team is perfect, but we have plenty of quality. We’ve made a point of reinforcing that belief – and they need to believe in their own work first, so that others can believe in us. We must believe in what we do – both individually and collectively,” he concluded.