First team

NICO PAREJA: "BERIZZO CAN TEACH US MANY THINGS, HE HAS A VERY STRONG IDENTITY"

Nico Pareja faced the media following his medical check-up at the Clínica Quirón in Seville

Nico Pareja has been the first player to speak to the media in the 2017/2018 season. After completing the compulsory medical test at the Quirón Hospital, the Argentine referred to the first pre-season training session: "It was introductory pre-season training, during which the coaching staff introduced themselves and conveyed their way of working and the enthusiasm they have". Being Berizzo's compatriot, the full-back knows the new coach's methods well: "He can teach us many things, with such a strong identity. He made the type of football he wants us to play very clear during his spell at Celta and we will try to express what he wants us to on the pitch, so that he feels the team works in his own style. He's confident that consequently the results will come, and so are we. In terms of the idea, it's similar to the way we did things with Sampaoli, so it's continuity, however he will want to stamp his own seal on his way of working. We will try to translate this on the pitch, and we really want to achieve it". He admitted that the first objective is navigating the Champions League play-off, although for now the important thing is being well prepared for the season ahead. Moreover, he downplayed the significance of potential changes in the squad: "It's something very normal for this club and this is going to be my fifth season. I don't know whether in any one of these we've made ten changes to the side, so those who come have to want to be the very best. They have to come with a lot of commitment and a desire to make Sevilla even bigger". "The type of football that Berizzo wants us to play was made very clear during his spell in Vigo"

Jokingly, he acknowledged that it hadn't been a drastic change from the end of his holidays: "In the end I didn't even get the deckchair and summer things out. It's winter in Argentina at the moment. I was already working towards for the start of pre-season and also I ended last year in some pain. The next six-months were difficult for me and I had to work hard to be fit for the new season". The only confirmed transfer, subject to signing his contract, is that of Banega: "Ever was an important player when he was here and his return is also significant. I think he's a player with a strong presence and who brings a lot to the team, also helping new players understand the specific character of the club". Moreover, he was asked about the potential departure of Vitolo: "We have to concentrate solely on training and playing. Arrivals and departures are normal part of the club, but the exit of a player like him would have an impact in both a footballing and personal sense. It would be significant because he is an exceptional player, but we know that this is football. When a player performs well in the national side many teams come calling. From our end, we will support him in whatever decision he makes, although obviously we want him to stay. At the end of the day, he has given a lot for this shirt and we will respect his choice".