First team

MURIEL: "WITH BALANCE AND CONTINUITY MY PERFORMANCE WILL IMPROVE"

10/11/2017

The Colombian striker talks about how is arrival at Nerión "hasn't been easy", but seems certain that he will improve, assuring that "I am my own biggest fan, I, more than anyone else, want to witness my full potential"

Luis Muriel faced possibly the toughest part of his career so far in signing for Sevilla FC, especially with the 2018 Russia World Cup right around the corner. Muriel doesn't appear to be buckling under the pressure but, instead, is convinced of his potential to do well in Nervión: "I am very happy here, to have arrived at this club...On a personal level, adapting in recent months hasn't been easy. It hasn't been easy coming into the team, but I am happy with the matches I have played so far and with the goals I have scored because I am certain there are more to come", he said during an interview with Sevilla FC press.

A lot has been said about his physical condition, but the player does not come across as worried and puts it all down to continuity: "I haven't had any problems with my physical condition. Obviously after not having played certain matches, when I have had the opportunity to get back on the pitch the lack of continuity has cost me a little. I don't believe that it's something that affects just me, it affects all players that don't have continuity...I am happy with my work and with what I contribute to the team. Of course, with adjustments to continuity things could be a lot better for me. When I've got the right balance and continuity in matches, my performance will improve. It's a matter of time, I am my own biggest fan and I want to see myself do well".

"When I've got the right balance and continuity in matches, my performance will improve. I am my own biggest fan and I want to see myself do well". "

Up until the current international break, Muriel has scored only 3 goals despite many opportunities having presented themselves to the player. With regards to this statistic, he is self-critical - although he assures that he will score more with more self-conviction: "I think that I lack that certain confidence you get from playing and scoring, its fundamental for me to come face to face with the goal. I believe that that's what I'm missing, that confidence in front of the goal and knowing you're going to score...All of a sudden there is the pressure to score a goal and to perform with so many outside pressures. These expectations have caused me to fail at times I wouldn't normally fail".

An inevitable question in any conversation with Muriel is if being the most expensive signing in the history of Sevilla FC places too much pressure on the player. Muriel denied this and claimed: "I have taken it on with calmness and confidence. I have used it as a source of motivation - it is something to take pride in...The people hope for more from me and I am the first person that wants to see more goals and a better demonstration of my full potential so that the fans are happy".

"I believe that that's what I'm missing, that confidence in front of the goal and knowing you're going to score”

Time, that is what the ex Sampdoria player asks for, among other things, because "changing over to a different league has been a major jump and I've felt it. I have felt it because, in Italian football, you play more tactically, more in the attack. I was used to this type of football, this mechanism, and coming here where it's more about creating space, but equally, about speed - well, it hasn't been easy but I am happy with my performance so far and I am sure that I will be able to improve a lot more".

The player also had a few words on Eduardo Berizzo, "he's a coach that always wants to have a leading role in the match, and this is extremely important because we have the ball and we create opportunities...What he wants is important for us, it wasn't easy from the start to do everything perfectly, but gradually we are getting used to this method of play that will enable us to play better".

"What I do here will be fundamental in getting ready for the World Cup"

And from the coach at Sevilla FC to José Pekerman, the selector for the Colombian side who left Muriel out from the Colombia call-up in this set of selections. Muriel was already aware of the decision in the last Colombia meeting: "Yes, we spoke about it following the last match of the knock-out round. He advised me to try and find the space that I could not find here, to try and play as many matches as possible so that I will be ready ahead of the World Cup".

Muriel further denied that he had considered refusing selection, being aware that his presence in Russia will depend on his performance with Sevilla FC: "No, they were just rumors. I don't know where they came from, but it didn't once cross my mind once to refuse selection. The coach advised me on how to improve and hoped to see more from me - that was all that was said with the coach...There are many other strikers competing for the spot in the selection because everyone wants to take part in the World Cup. I know that what I do here will be fundamental in getting ready for the World Cup. I am confident that things are looking up, and that I will be able to go to Russia with my national side".