MONCHI: "AN IMPORTANT MATCH LIKE YESTERDAY'S ONE IS NOT WON SOLELY IN THE 90 MINUTES"

Monchi featured on today's airing of SFC Radio's Solo el Sevilla to speak about the victory in El Gran Derbi on Thursday: I'm happy, because there have been three tough, difficult months, not just for football but for life. Three months where many concepts have changed, and in football it has also been complicated. There were a few bits that were more difficult, but we're happy with how they've returned and let's hope they can finish it. Regarding yesterday, I'm happy because getting off to a good start in this mini league is important. Beginning with a derby had its pros and cons, it motivates you and it's important in the city, but you could also think that when it arrives, it's all over and it's not. There's still lots to fight for and our obsession was transmitting the match's importance without forgetting there were another ten equally important games left". 

There were many unknown factors, but Sevilla responded perfectly: "It was the most difficult, most inaccurate thing. There were doubts and uncertainty about how the team would react in such different circumstances. But the team surprised us and when there is an important match, and this one was, the victories are not achieved in 90 minutes. Getting the right mentality, concentration and motivation is essential. Since Monday we saw that the team looked good and they worked well, it was reflected on the pitch. With good players everything is easier and the manager's work has been magnificent, reading the game well. Yesterday's victory is down to many people and among them are the players but also the coaching staff".

"Since Monday we saw that the team looked good and they worked well"

It wasn't an easy ride until the league restarted, but the team got back on track: "There are more subtleties that don't come out. This has been hard and on May 8th we started training in a bunkerised training ground with no contact between the players. A lot of the coaching staff were missing and that's why I say that the victory isn't down to one person. Seeing the involvement of everyone, how the unpicked players supported the team, and how the coaching staff were like fans... What Joan or Oliver said about listening to their teammates cheering was fundamental, they speak for the team. The battles are won by eleven players, but the wars are won by the collective".

"What Jordán or Óliver said, they speak for the team"

Without fans, the mental aspect became more important: "It plays an important role because the feeling of detachment that this virus has created has been tremendous. That detachment had to be worked on to get back to normal. In the beginning it was complicated because your partner could infect you. You looked at your friend as an enemy, and all that has been a slow process, where everyone around the group has been important in trying to be a family. We needed to feel well supported because we lacked the most important thing, our fans".

Before talking about a sadly deceased friend to whom he personally wanted to dedicate the win, he spoke about his experience of the match: "I sat where I always sat and was alone. I tried to get into the same feeling and I was sad that I couldn't share the victory with those who I usually share it with. You had to be focused, talk to everyone to get the poison into them and be in the game as another player".