First team

MONTELLA: "I'M EXTRA MOTIVATED TO MOVE FORWARDS"

16/01/2018

The coach asked for unity between the team and the fans, and said the team needs "enthusiasm and results" to get out of the bad run that can be put down as "a matter of confidence and mentality"

Vincenzo Montella wanted bring some optimism to the cloudy atmosphere that shrouds Sevilla FC currently, taking advantage of the press conference before tomorrow's Copa del Rey quarter-final with Atlético Madrid to discuss the team: "I'm very happy and extra-motivated to progress... I'm always positive, I always believe in work and in my players. I'm always going to prepare for a match with a view to winning because that's the way I am. I'm naturally optimistic, he said when talking about the game.

Montella knows that the atmosphere is tense and in that regard - when asked about the anger of the fans after bad results in the past months - said: "I completely understand the fans but my advice is that it's time to be united and be together... We're working to improve things but the important thing is to be united and through work, we'll progress".

The Italian manager saw this match as "a difficult and important game. It's the quarter-finals and it's a chance to be able to show the improvement of the team... It's a low point at the moment; what the team needs now is enthusiasm and results. We're playing against one of the best teams in Europe in Atlético and that can only be a motivation for us. We'll play on their level".

"I think there are players who have not shown the potential they have and it's my job to get it out of them"

On the match itself, he assured the press "it's clear that when you play against such big opponents you can't have any mental or physical blocks... We need to play 90 minutes at a maximum level. I think we can go through. I thought the team was much better in training today".

What is Sevilla missing? "We should play more direct at a quicker pace, but this takes time...There are players that I think have not shown their quality and it is my job to see that players fulfill their potential and that's what I am going to do".

"At times it is your head that makes your legs work...It is a matter of confidence and mentality, and this is something we also need to improve on"

He assured that "the team is growing physically, little by little...It's true that sometimes your head is what makes your legs work...It is a matter of confidence and mentality, and this is something we also need to improve on".

With regards to potential signings, Montella commented "We discuss these matters as a family. I've been here for 15 days, 4 matches, and there are already decisions to be made, but the reality is that I am extremely happy with my players. For me, they are the best and I want to continue working with them".

Also questioned about David Soria and his possible move to Deportivo, he responded: "I want to talk about these matters with the club. The more players that want to be at Sevilla the better. If there are players that have other aspirations and do not want to continue here, that is their problem".