The Argentinian attends GOAL for the memorable duel against Juventus in Seville
Erik Lamela (Carapachay, Argentina, 1992) is one of those great players who misses an important title in his palmares. He is two steps away from being able to achieve this with Sevilla FC, the team that reigns in a league that is once again magical, and revitalized in this campaign. A few months ago Sevilla had finals to get out of the relegation places, now they have it to get into their seventh place in the Europa League. The Argentinian talks to GOAL without being able to properly explain how this radical change has been, but what is clear to him is that the match against Juventus is more than exciting.
How are the ghosts ahead of the game? What sensations do they have and how do they gain weight?
“Well, we’re doing well, we’re looking forward to it, we’re excited and obviously this Thursday is an incredible game and we hope it goes in the best way”.
ANDThe precedent against Manchester United is there. Does that match motivate or should we forget it because it will be another clash?“
I think all rivals are different. Juventus is a big rival, in his country he is one of the best clubs and so it will be a tough opponent like Manchester. We have to focus on what we need to do.”
In the draw against the English team, after the first leg, there was a moment of fear for the return. This time everything is different, there is more optimism…
“No, negativity, I don’t think so. It was clear that we were not doing well, we were not at a good time, especially in the middle of the season, but time passed and we managed to improve. Today we arrive at these last instances in the best possible way. We are excited, we are in good shape and both the team and the people are more united than ever. We have suffered a lot this year and we are all enjoying this moment.”
Any explanation of what happened to Seville this year? It was weird, like going from almost nothing to almost everything…
“I don’t know, I don’t know what to tell you. We started bad, there came a time when it seemed like we couldn’t win a game, but it’s streaks. I’ve always had faith in this team, these players and, well, like I said before, we’re in a really good time, but we don’t have to let it go. There is very little left and this time that remains is decisive”
Do you see yourself in the final?
“Well, we have to play on Thursday and we have to play a great game. I think we have to be at a very high level on Thursday to get to the final and I trust this team.” Let’s hope we have a great game on Thursday.
What changed Mendilibar, what was the key to the group’s revival?
“I don’t know, but he and all my teammates are doing a great job. They do their best and if we all pull in the same direction and we all want the same thing, which is to get results, to win and to improve, it is much easier for everyone. So that’s what’s happening now, we all want to finish the year in the best possible way and we have a very good chance.”
They pass in the first leg in Turin the goal in the last minute of extra time. Are you still spinning?
“The truth is that it hurt to get a goal at the end of the game. The feeling, especially after the game, was not good. While the result wasn’t bad, because of the work the team put in, it’s something that could happen. Now we have an excellent opportunity with our fans. It will be something special to play at home and we have to take advantage of that.”
There’s an incredible atmosphere in the stadium, almost double what happened against Manchester United… You know that?
“Yes, I’ve already heard. Against Manchester the stadium was crazy and now I’m imagining that and more so I’m looking forward to being there next Thursday.”
I remember one of his goals, from Rabona, who went around the world. It wouldn’t be bad to score a similar score, or a historic one that would put Sevilla in another final.
“Yes hopefully. You always dream of scoring in these kind of games, but Thursday’s game doesn’t matter how it is a goal, whether it’s the goal that wins, whether it’s mine or a teammate. There we will do our best and hopefully we can achieve it”
Mendilibar said that it is a result that at least, in order to get something positive out of it, does not allow you to speculate…
“Yes, It is clear that we are playing for our people who are going to expect a lot from us and I am sure against Manchester it will be the same, the people will be with us and the team will respond. So you have to come out in the best way.”
With you cPersonally, winning a European title, which he doesn’t have, would be something important…
“Of course, who would not want to win this competition. This club wants the Europa League more than anyone else. The players are going to leave everything to give pleasure to our people, to end the year in the best way and we only think about Thursday. Hopefully we can play a great game.”
It would be the perfect comeback of the season…
“Hopefully. First we need to win on Thursday to reach a final and hopefully we will celebrate everything together on Thursday.”
Finally, there is a derby on Sunday.
“We know there’s a derby and it’s important in the city, but our five senses are focused on Thursday against Juve. There’s nothing more important than that right now.”
Manolo Nieto
Source: Goal