Coke Andújar, one of Sevilla’s club captains, discussed the season ahead and the holiday season. “The countdown has begun, and there are fewer days all the time. We’ll have to go out running to burn off any overeating, but there a still a few days left to enjoy. At the end of the day we’re all sportsmen and we like the physical activity. In my case I do sports every day and I’m sure my team-mates do the same,” he said.
The Champions League... and La Liga. “The bar has been raised high and a very exciting season is on the way with Champions League football, as well as the league. In the Champions League we only have six games guaranteed and you can’t ignore the league because in the second half of the season it’s difficult to come back. Some teams have had a nightmatre after a season in the Champions League.”
Emery: “All the fans and the players at Sevilla hope he continues. We’re comfortable with the dynamic and we know him well and are comfortable with him.”
Aleix’s move to Barcelona: “That’s what Sevilla’s got. After the past few seasons it’s been a shop window and it pushes up the value of its players. In Aleix’s case, in some games we’ve played in a similar position and he did a really good job. Arribas has also played at a high level and I’m pleased for him.”
The dressing room: “It’s always been a good group, but in recent years a lot of highly motivated young players have come in and that’s rubbed off on all of us. We’ve got a positive dynamic of work and comradery and hopefully that will continue when those of us who’ve been here for many years leave. When it comes to dealing with problems it makes it much easier.”