Almeyda on Barcelona, Nianzou, Rubén Vargas, Akor Adams...

Sevilla FC

Will it be different from the first leg? "Barcelona, no matter how tired they are, always play in an excellent way. No matter how you look at it. The match will surely be different from the one we played at home, we will try to do similar things, but being aware of who we are facing. It has been 23 and a half years since our team won at that stadium (in LALIGA). There are guys who never saw it. It is really difficult. We are going to play against the best team in LALIGA and one of the best in Europe. It doesn’t matter if they are tired or not, they do it well either way."

Sevilla’s good form: "There is always enthusiasm. If in 23 and a half years it hasn’t been possible, we will try to be the ones who do it after so long. It is very difficult. It is an opponent that does not forgive, scoring more and more goals. The opponent improved compared to what we faced. They polished everything good they have even more. The pressing, the place where they execute it, how they control it, set-piece plays that end in a goal... We have to be perfect."

Nianzou, getting better: "Medical support goes hand in hand with the coach’s support, who is the one who carries out every action that happens inside. When I consider that he should stop, I listen to the professionals and train him differently. It becomes a team effort. Coach, medical staff, masseurs..."

Rubén Vargas, ready to play: "Vargas was available for the last match, he just didn’t feel confident. He is now healed, this week he dispelled his own doubts, had an almost normal week and we will surely see him in this match. He is very important for us."

The level of Akor Adams: "He is well, motivated and aware of what is at stake. Whenever the forwards score, that is what we need. He is very motivated, especially with the opponent he is going to face."

Do you see Sevilla capable of repeating what they did in the first leg? "What we have to do is start praying, praying and trusting in what we are going to do. Then we should not go after these 23 years... because we know what we are up against. One of the best clubs in the world, with the best players... For us, every match is a final. It is difficult, but not impossible. I fully trust our players and they are showing tremendous self-respect. We know the quality we face."

Is Lamine Yamal better than Messi? "I do not make comparisons. He is one of the best players in the world. He is young, and every day he gets better. He has added other things to his game. Before, he used to put it against the post, over time he put it a meter in, then in the middle and now directly into the corner. I don’t know where else he can put it. He is incredible. He is the best player in the world today. It is a pleasure to watch him play. The best are those you enjoy watching. They have in midfield another of the best in the world, on the flank another... and a coach I’m not going to reveal. Wherever he goes, he makes a team play a style that is nice to watch."

An ambitious message: "Not because I ever send a message just to look good. If they respect me, it is because I try to be honest with the people I care about. If it has been 23 and a half years since a win, cups are one thing and the local championship, where you take care not to lose your category, is real. I speak to you about reality. If two weeks ago they told us we were the worst team in history, look how everything changes so fast. We go as always. I don’t make excuses, yes, I see realities. Every minute, every training, every second we are here, we must be at one hundred percent. What Europe, guys? Sevilla is fighting not to be relegated. I don’t want to look good to anyone, I don’t create speeches. Everything I say, I say from the heart, but not to look good. What coach prepares a team to lose? That doesn’t exist. Everyone who goes to Barcelona will have thought about winning, then there are realities."