GUDELJ: "THEY'RE IN GOOD FORM BUT WE ARE SEVILLA AND WE'RE NOT AFRAID OF ANYONE"

On Wednesday, Nemanja Gudelj was at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán for the 'Sácale Partido al Cole' scheme. With Sunday's El Gran Derbi on the horizon, he was asked some questions. First, about the international break, he responded, "We are professionals, when we're on international duty that is our focus, but as soon as we get back, the focus is back on the club. And with the derby coming up, it's easy to focus on the task ahead. I always say that there are no favourites. It doesn't matter who is better or worse, it all comes down to who performs on the day."

Regarding the new framework of relations between the two clubs, he commented, "We are focused on the pitch and on the match, but as captain, I think it's always good for clubs to get on well off the pitch." He was also asked about Isco's form and that of Betis: "I’m happy for Isco, as he’s a former teammate. I wish him the best of luck. They’re in good form, but we are Sevilla and we are not afraid of anyone or anything."

As the player with the most appearances in the squad, his statistics in El Gran Derbi continue to grow: "In the end, the numbers will be seen at the end of my career. I don’t pay much attention to the statistics of derbies. By focusing on each match, you will get the most out of it, and that is my main goal. The numbers won’t help me on the pitch. What helps there is the rhythm and the level you have. I’m happy to have good stats, but that doesn’t mean anything for Sunday. You have to give 500%."

"The numbers won’t help me on the pitch"

He also acknowledged that Jesús Navas remains very present in the dressing room: "I talk a lot with Jesús, and he will be around the training ground a bit more than usual this week. We’ll feel his support, and he’ll be there with us." Looking ahead to Saturday's open training session, he said, "These are the best sessions, the ones you remember throughout your career. Facing our fans gives you a boost to go all out for the derby. On derby day, everything makes me very focused on the match. The open training session the day before, during the week you go for a coffee, and the people are already motivating you... That gives you goosebumps. What I like most is what I want: to win and celebrate it with my teammates and the fans."

Finally, he spoke about this past week and his role on Sunday: "I feel good, I played 70 and 45 minutes without any discomfort with the national team, and I’m ready. The position doesn’t matter to me. We have injuries in midfield, and it could be an opportunity to play there, but if I have to play as a goalkeeper, then I’ll play as a goalkeeper."