GARCÍA PIMIENTA: "SEVILLA IS A BIG CLUB AND WE NEED TO GET BACK TO WINNING CONSISTENTLY"

Our first-team Head Coach, García Pimienta, spoke to the media at today's pre-match press conference. With Deportivo Alavés up next, he said, "Morale is high following last week's victory and the way in which we achieved it. The fans really helped us in the closing stages, they knew what we were going through. We have to keep winning, but getting our first three points of the season will help spur us on. This week has only been short and now we face a tough battle. They [Deportivo Alavés] are a good team and they know exactly how they want to play. We will have to be on our toes and focus on the challenge ahead. Mendizorroza is not an easy place to visit. We have some players that are unavailable, like Marcão and Sambi, but Barco and Gudelj are back and ready to go. We're unsure on Suso at the moment, we'll have to wait and see."

He was satisfied with the system that was used during the game against Getafe, stating, "We won, so it definitely worked. Peque played behind the attackers but he still had plenty of opportunities to get in behind. We have to be aware of the style of players we have available. Someone like Peque will play differently to someone like Saúl, for example. But we will match up our players to take on the opposition. We have plenty of players that can play in multiple positions. It worked the other day, we played well and got the victory we deserved."

"Having Saúl's leadership and experience back in the squad will help us"

Then, García Pimienta discussed the return of Saúl to the matchday squad and sent a heartfelt message to Joan Jordán. "Saúl made a mistake but he's back now and hopefully that doesn't happen again, he's an important player. But we can't make any excuses, we have plenty of other players that can fill in the role. Having his leadership and experience will help us and we expect him to be back at his best. Joan had a very positive pre-season with us and I wish him the best, other than when playing against us of course!" With regards to Loïc Badé and Jesús Navas, "Badé is back to 100%, he's been training normally all week and will be in the matchday squad. We are aware of Navas's hip problem but he will travel. He's earned the right to decide himself what he wants to do. We'll enjoy having him there without any pressure. His presence and captaincy are always a big help."

"There are plenty of games left to be played. We have to be competitive and whatever happens we're happy with the work that we've been putting in. Alavés know how they want to play and they get results. They don't mind playing without the ball. This is a great opportunity for us to get an away victory and solidify what we're doing. I don't think it's a critical moment, but it would be great to get an away victory on the board and start a good run of form," he continued. Asked about the players' workload, "A big club like Sevilla, one that is used to playing in European competitions alongside the league, is used to having lots of matches. It is of course very demanding but we support our players 100%. The players always have my full support."

"If we want to keep improving and move up the league table, we must fight"

Our Head Coach underlined the importance of competing in every match. "If we play well, create five big chances and score five goals, we will win the game. But if we only score one and make defensive mistakes then we won't. We have to be on our best and focus defensively. We have a winning mindset and we set out to win every game. We're coming off the back of a victory but we're hungry for another. If we want to keep improving and move up the league table, we must fight. Sevilla is a big club and we need to get back to winning consistently. That's down to us."

Pimienta then discussed Kelechi Iheanacho, saying, "He's been with us all week and is doing well. He didn't play last week because he had only recently got back from international duty and was tired from all the flying. But he's a great player and we have full faith in him. He brings quality and can take his chance when it comes. It is a shame that we didn't have him during pre-season, but I have no doubt that we will see the best of him very soon."

"I am a coach that likes togetherness and a happy environment; that's the best way to work"

He then revealed the importance of having a happy changing room. "I am a coach that likes togetherness and a happy environment; that's the best way to work. I try to be fair but not everyone can have the same minutes on the field. I wish that everyone could play every game, but this is football and we always have the team's interests first. Morale is high and there are plenty of jokes within the changing rooms. I am still waiting for the three meals that Badé owes me! Having a positive environment is key to get the best out of everyone." With regards to Tanguy Nianzou, "He played a very complete performance the other day. He's got some slight strains but is available. He has so much potential. He's competitive and trains well. I am happy with everyone and we will go with whoever I think will do best in each game."

The coach was also asked about referees, to which he replied, "The referees are always the first to be blamed and punished when they make a mistake. But we need to help them. Refereeing mistakes are never an excuse. But if we help them, football can become more fair; that's what we all want. I like the fact that they have meetings to discuss what's going well and what's not going so well. Last year there was a meeting between coaches and referees which was a great way to share thoughts."

"Jesús Navas is a role model and sets a good example for everyone"

He then talked about Jesús Navas once more, praising his professionalism. "I know Jesús would keep playing until he was 45 years old if he could, but his hip is causing him some issues. But he's giving his best for the club, as always. He wants to help in any way that he can and he will decide when he wants to retire. Until then we will enjoy having him on the pitch. He's a role model and sets a good example for everyone." José Ángel Carmona also came through the academy. "I didn't know José much more than what I had seen on TV. It's been a very pleasant surprise. He's very competitive and plays with a great aggressiveness. He's a quality defender, he understands the play very well. He also knows exactly what the club is about and is an important player for us despite still being young."

Finally, García Pimienta considered the possibility of playing with two strikers. "We will play whatever gives us the best chance of winning, but having two strikers could be a real option. We have to work with the players that we have and I'm sure we'll see it at some point this season."