GARCÍA PIMIENTA: "WE HAVE TO GIVE THE FANS SOMETHING TO BE PROUD OF"

Head Coach García Pimienta spoke to the media at the press conference ahead of LaLiga EA Sports Matchday 5 fixture against Getafe CF. He said, "It's been a very good two weeks in terms of training. This week the internationals have started to come in and today is the first day we've had a full squad. Despite the known absentees - Badé, Suso, Saúl and Lokonga - the squad is in good condition. We're really looking forward to tomorrow's game against a tough opponent like Getafe, one of the best teams defensively in the league. We'll have to stay together, be patient and focused defensively. I'm sure that if we do things right, we'll get the victory."

He continued, "We are mentally prepared for a game that, if we do things correctly, we will be in with a chance of victory. We are going to do everything in our power, really push ourselves and hopefully perform similiarly to the game against Villarreal, but with a different outcome. If we give it our all, the fans will be with the team. We want them to be proud of the performance."

‘"We are ready for the challenge, we have to be"

In addition, García Pimienta acknowledged the transfer of Lucas Ocampos. "Lucas leaving is something that was not foreseen. It came right at the end of the window; it's something that can't be controlled. But we will work to fill the gap. I think the squad is strong. Those of us who are here are ready for the challenge. We have to be."

"I don't have to say anything to the fans, we know that they want the team to win. That comes down to us. We have to give everything. The fans will respond well to a good performance and we have an obligation to make that happen. We need to give the fans something to start cheering for from the kick off."

"We are all aware of the importance of the match"

Our Head Coach then discussed the combination of youth and experience in the squad. "It's one of the things that we've been working. They are young but very good players. The youth is accompanied by experienced players who set an example both on and off the pitch. We are all aware of the importance of this match."

He then referred to Barco and Peque's versatility on the pitch. "Depending on how we play, Valentín can play as a full-back or as a winger. He has good ball skills and good attacking traits. He is versatile, like Peque. For me, his ideal position is striker. I know him perfectly well. He has a gift for scoring goals. He can also play on the wing with the ability to link up the play. We play to win every game, it is a non-negotiable."

"We play to win every game"

With regards to the opponents, he highlighted their defensive strength and efficiency in front of goal. "Regardless of the result we will analyse the good and bad. Getafe are a good team who are very strong defensively. They are also efficient in front of goal. We'll have to be at our best if we want to win."

Next he referenced Iheanacho and Álvaro Fernández's fitness. "Kelechi is fine, a little tired from all the flying with the national team. But he trained normally today and is available if we need him. Álvaro is training at 100% and we are fully confident in his ability. He might have to wait for his chance, but he's always ready." Collado was another name to be singled out. García Pimienta said, "With Sambi and Saúl out, we might have to call him up to the matchday squad. He's been training with the first-team and is doing very well."

"I am very happy with the attitude of the players"

"I was well aware of the challenges before coming. I am very happy here and with the squad. The attitude of the players is good and the club has confidence in me. We need to get the results to repay that confidence. We are focused on getting three points tomorrow."

"Marcão leads by example"

With regards to Marcão and Montiel, he said, "Marcão is an experienced player but unfortunately injuries have prevented him from performing to the best of his ability. Montiel is a world-class right-back who starts for Argentina. He gives us options within the squad. If we go with someone else then that is who we think will be the best fit for the match."

Finally, he underlined the importance of getting three points on the board. "We are Sevilla. We are a big club which has won many titles in recent years. When things go well you want to continue them. But right now we need our first victory of the season to reassure the fans. We haven't been doing things right, but we have an obligation to make the fans proud of their team."