First team

CAPARRÓS: 'WE HAVE A TALENTED SQUAD AND WE WILL GIVE IT OUR ALL'

15/03/2019

The caretaker coach is hurt by Machín's exit: 'It is a horrible situation to face up to because a coach that we had trusted in is leaving'

Joaquín Caparrós attended the media this afternoon after the club confirmed that he would replace Pablo Machín as Sevilla's new coach: 'The desire and commitment is there. It is a horrible situation to face up to because a coach that we had trusted in is leaving. Managers know how this business works, I've been talking with him and it's really hard. I reiterate that we have a top squad. We have great, experienced players and we are going to give it our all to achieve our objectives. We all have to be united because these are tough times and our unity will show the greatness of this club.'

Caparrós acknowledged that the plan for the season has not gone as planned: 'It's true that it has not gone well, my idea was to finish the season and leave my post regardless of whether or not we got into the Champions League, which is still the goal. We still have the chance to turn things around. I believe I can help and once the season is over we can talk, but it was time to make way for other people.'

Now as the coach, he was clear in what his objectives were: "We have a very balanced squad. In football, everything is a lot clearer when you're getting results. When things aren't going well you have to give answers. There have been some situations that were down to luck but I cannot be bogged down by that and I will analyse the team's strengths with them so we can improve. We will work on our weaknesses so we can turn the results around because the teams around us have similar points and we must focus. " Caparrós, now more than ever, is appealing for unity: 'They have to help us, we need them. They are a group with quality and talent. We have to be united - that has always been my way of thinking. Football is a team sport and we all need everyone, from the last employee to our unique fans.'

'They are a group with quality and talent'

In addition, he spoke about Sergi Gomez and Jesus Navas' call ups by Spain: "It's brilliant, I've been saying right from the start that Sergi was good enough. I am also happy for Jesus Navas - he is an example for our club. Him coming back into the fold now says a lot about his ability and mentality. It's a pity the news has come on a sad day for the club but we are all delighted for them.' Moving on from that, he spoke about Monchi's possible return: 'He is brilliant at what he does, he knows the organization, philosophy and the people, I am happy and I think it would be a great decision by the president and board.'

Two days before the next game, it's time to get our act together: 'We will go for it, we know the squad and the coaches have already worked with Pablo. Carlos, Paco and Antonio know them as well - it's going to be a team job. We all want the same thing and they will help us achieve it.' Finally, he made it clear that the objective can be nothing other than the Champions League: "I've been around for many years and I've tried to be coherent with my actions. If I was telling the coach that the goal was to qualify for the Champions League and we did not achieve that, I could not stay here. I will give it everything and we will try to achieve the goal. "