Vincenzo Montella entrenador del Sevilla FC

First team

MONTELLA: "THE TEAM HAS RECOVERED MENTALLY WHICH IS WHAT'S MOST IMPORTANT FOR US"

19/01/2018

Acknowledging that it is difficult to compete every 3 days, the Italian coach is focussed "on the upcoming match, which is always the most important"

Even with the victory in Madrid still fresh in the mind, it's time to turn the corner mentally. Ahead of today's training session and the journey to Barcelona, Vincenzo Montella spoke about tomorrow's game against RCD Espanyol: "Yesterday's training focussed on recovery for those who played and today's session will concentrate on strategy. The team is recovering mentally, which is what is most important. We need to think only about tomorrow's match so that we can regain ground in La Liga and continue improving. As of Sunday, we will be focussing on our next clash with Atlético.

Questioned about the improvements that saw victory against Atlético, he responded: "A lot of things have changed but this is a process. Tactics have improved but, above all, so has the team's mentality along with their togetherness. It's a strong point that we look to constantly fuel and I believe that the team's spirit can make all the difference".

Regarding tomorrow's opponent, the coach recognises that "it will be tough because Espanyol aren't like Atlético. It is important to prepare for the match with strength and enthusiasm. They are a well-organized and compact team that can interpret the stages of the game well".

The coach also made clear that there is no rush with regards to the team's most recent arrival: "Arana has just got here. He hadn't trained for almost a month and we are testing him. He is a little behind the rest of the team and he needs to be patient. We want to see him out on the pitch soon, but when the time is right".

Speaking about the transfer market, he once again made clear that he prefers to focus on the players that he has at his disposition: "We are playing every 3 days and I haven't had time to think, only to talk a few things over with the Director. In any case, I don't like to talk about the market the day before a match".

The win over Atlético on Wednesday was key, above all for the players' mentalities: "I am pleased with the attitude shown by players in difficult times, for example with the conceded goal in Wednesday's game. It's not easy to change the mentality of players, but my arrival has seen a change in how we defend. I'm not saying that it is better or worse, but different, and this change has only come about through hard work. We are getting there little by little. The change shows attitude and hopes to react".

Referring to his players, he spoke about Correa: "In the 5 matches I have been here for, he's been in the starting squad 3 times. He is important and I know him well from when I coached him at Sampdoria. He's got room to grow and I like the way he attacks the goal. His qualities as a player can help us and he's understanding more and more what I want from him".

To sum up the press conference, the coach spoke about how the tie will be decided in the next few matches: "It's something important for all of us, because of the level of the opponent, because we're the first Spanish team to win at that ground and because Atletico hadn't conceded two goals in 28 matches. This is only a small triumph. We are happy for everyone, but this should just act as the base for growth and improvement yet to come. The fans are important to us and our aim is to feel united with them".