EXCITEMENT AND EXPECTATION WITHIN THE SQUAD AHEAD OF EL GRAN DERBI

Rafa Mir was first up to speak and spoke of his excitement ahead of his first derby in Sevilla colours: 'I'm really hoping to play this Sunday. We've spoken about the game and we're calm but also excited about the chance to make our supporters happy.' He couldn't hide his desire when he was asked what it would be like to score in the derby: 'I want to keep scoring and helping my teammates but it doesn't matter who scores in this game. We have to be ourselves with the great squad and manager that we have. We need to keep to our game, we're on the right path. In every match three points are up for grabs and we will give our all in each one. We're counting on our fans to keep believing and supporting us as they have been doing.'

Suso was up next. The winger knows what it's like to play in the derby and discussed what a win would mean: 'The team is doing well. Now we have a more psychological game than anything coming up - it's special and unique. If you win it, it gives you an extra boost to morale and confidence, especially for the fans.' Suso praised Betis for their form this season and spoke about what it will feel like to play in front of the fans: 'Betis are doing great - they have good players and a coach who has improved them quite a bit. I haven't played the derby in front of fans yet so this will be my first true derby. We need to enjoy it and win it. People love football in Seville and this is a strong rivalry. It will be a brilliant game.'

Suso: 'This will be my first derby with fans: we have to enjoy it and win it'

Jules Koundé also decided to mention Betis' improvement under Pellegrini: 'It's a special game with how much the derby means. We need to win for the fans and for the three points which are super important. We're expecting a tough game and they've improved a lot this year in many aspects, but principally as a team.' The centre-back said the fans will see the best Sevilla out on the pitch on Sunday: 'The key will be in playing our game, being ourselves. We want to see the fans chanting, whistling... every player likes that for the motivation it gives. I also really want to experience a derby at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán... The people make this match special with how passionately they feel about this rivalry.'

One player who will be visiting the Benito Villamarín for the first time is Papu Gómez who has returned from injury: 'I'm really happy to be back with the group and be ready for the derby. It'll be a great experience - I've been told the atmosphere is really good and similar to what we have in Argentina. Any player would want to experience a match like this. We know people get restless in the week beforehand but we will do our best to make them happy. We're doing really well in the league and we even have a game in hand. We know Betis are dangerous and strong at home, but the derby is a match in itself where emotions, the fans and pressure reign supreme. We will play our game as always to try and win. There's only three points at stake. Winning can help with morale but there's still a long way to go in the league. We want to stay at the top and we will go with the intention of winning. I've had to be on the sidelines for two weeks and now I'm ready to get back and help the team.'

Papu: 'There are only three points at stake. But winning can give you a lot more than just points.'

The analytical Joan Jordán was the last up: 'The most important factor on Sunday will be our mentality. We're good physically but I also see us prepared mentally. I trust in my teammates and I know we'll get there on Sunday full of desire to win. It's a different, special game, which brings the city to a standstill. We will enjoy it but we're focused on ourselves, on playing like the Sevilla everyone knows and playing a great game. Outside noise gets you excited but we're focused on what we do. We need to win the match but it's no use winning it and then losing the next few games. We are excited for it but our objective goes beyond this Sunday - we want to be at the top of the league and we want the three points to keep us there, not because of who the opponent is. If we win we'll be on a brilliant tally before the international break.'