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Press conference
Javi Gracia: “We need to stay strong at home”

The Blue and Whites’ coach says in the Real Betis pre-match press conference: “We’ve been capable of winning at home, but now the points we gain in front of our fans are more important.”

Strong at home

“We’ve been capable of winning at home, and are aware of the fact that we must stay strong at our ground.  In this case, the points we gain in front of our fans are more important, so we need to show good game play, claim victories in the best way possible and take the next step.”

 

Derby

“For me one match isn’t any more important than another, we’re faced with regional rivalry against another Andalucían team.  The importance lies in us moving up the League table.”

 

Mastour

“Ahead of the need for players in these positions, and because he’s been in training with us for some time, we incorporated him into the line-up immediately as another possibility for this game.”

 

“I don’t want to burden Mastour with a responsibility that doesn’t correspond to him.  He has shown the traits of the player he’s going to be, so now he needs to get out there and continue growing and developing into a fantastic footballer.”

 

Fans

“The fans are always behind the team and try to help us.  Logically if we play well, they’ll be happier, so we’ll try everything we can to ensure we play a great game so we’ll all be pleased.”

 

International players

“It’s a good sign that these players are valued in their home countries, as it means they’re performing well in the team.  I would have liked more players to have been called-up, even though next week we’ll be missing players, but it’s a positive sign that we’re doing things right.”

 

Support from the Club

“I’m very grateful, and appreciate everyone at the Club giving their support to the team.  I don’t need it in order to do my job well, but everyone likes words of encouragement and as professionals we always do our best.”