JOSÉ CASTRO ON COPE SEVILLA: "WE'RE WORKING ON A NEW DEAL FOR FERNANDO REGES"

Speaking once more about the Super League, Castro was clear: "Sevilla have demonstrated their absolute rejection of a Super League. It rejects meritocracy - who knows where Sevilla FC would be without that. Everything we have is because of our own efforts and work. We don't support something that is only for the few. It can't only be for a set group of clubs and I think it will never happen. Football is gaining more and more fans and viewers. We've went from one to six million followers on social media - that's money as well. TV revenues are generated in part by social media as well. Football is getting better because there's ever more expectation. It's amazing how in Spain, and I hope we see it for more years, we have so much competition this year. The best situation would be one where any team could win La Liga."

During these days of the international break, Castro reflected on the players: "This is a special year because the players were going off and playing three games. The fixture list is busy enough and I hope logic prevails, despite them planning for a World Cup every two years. There's no need to exert more force on them, this is their health we're talking about." Regarding renovations to the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, he detailed the following step: "We know we can't just focus on the present. We know what we want to do and that is to present our present and future needs to a consultancy while keeping in mind the area we are in... That third party will be able to tell us what the best step is and that's what we'll be working on."

"The Super League rejects meritocracy - who knows where Sevilla FC would be without that"

Moving onto the results of the recent AGM, Castro prefers to look ahead: "It's not nice having to attend a Shareholders' Meeting like that. But it's over now and we have to be focused on Sevilla FC. José María del Nido and I were friends and I was important in him becoming president. I was a loyal vice president for 12 years and that's all there is to say. I don't know what will happen now. The AGM is over, the results are what they are and I have to focus on creating revenue for and excitement within this company. It's one of the most important entities in Seville and we have to be in the direction of continual growth and improvement. I'm human and some things have hurt me because no one has worked harder for the stability of this club than me. You can see the work of my 26 years here - the good, the bad and things that people don't know about. I have always favoured stability, with my strengths and flaws, and everyone knows that. It's fundamental that the directors focus on what they need to focus on and not think about anything else."

Returning to speak about the fight for La Liga, Castro didn't want to put on any more pressure: "This is a more competitive league with Barcelona in transition and Madrid not being in their best moment... It's great and important to have this competition. All we can do is achieve the best we can. Last year we had our chance to win it, perhaps we lacked some composure, but we have to be up there again this year in case another team falls out. It makes no sense to talk about winning La Liga. Why put pressure on ourselves?" He then went on to talk about the Champions league and finances ahead of the January Transfer Window: "The income from the Champions League is very important. La Liga has said that we are the second most capable team of making a signing this window. That doesn't mean we're rolling in money, but if we need to make a move we will do so. Our performance in the Champions League up until this point hasn't been the best, but it's a demanding competition and we have to set our minds to winning these two games. 

"If there's one thing we do well it's including the manager in wider club matters"

Discussing the January Transfer Window, Castro said there were no plans for a return for De Jong: 'In football you can never say never, but at this moment in time there has been no talk of a return from either party." He revealed talks were advanced to renew Fernando's contract: "He is an exceptional player and an even better person. We're working on the contract and both parties are happy. The logical result would be him staying with us a few years more." A renovation that happened this year was Julen Lopetegui's contract: "We shook hands and that's that. He said there was no need for his agent to be there because he was so happy, he has full autonomy and he realises he is supported by the directors. He didn't doubt it for a second."

Regarding the coach, Castro said there is daily feedback on sporting and other matters: "He's earned the admiration with his work and results. He is how he is and we don't want to change that, but this is Sevilla - a club with a big media and economic presence and we speak with him every day. Football changes a lot and if you aren't in it for a while, you can miss that. The game is the same but not everything else that surrounds it. The internet, sponsors, media... We speak about everything, not just on the pitch matters. If there's one thing we do well it's including the manager in wider club matters. Without investment you can't do anything and we have a marketing network with a new business director and we will soon see what we achieve. It's important for the coach to know this and the club works every day to keep improving. Things don't happen just by themselves. When outside of Spain people talk about what Sevilla have accomplished, it's not been by chance.'