Copa del Rey. Quarter-final times
On a roll, Seville extends its splendor in Ipurua
"To continue getting angry, arguing and demanding, but above all, to continue achieving goals.
Thank you, Julen, for making me grow
as a professional."
These are the words of a sports director to his coach, with the improper affection of a sport that is increasingly cold and stretched from offices inwards.
In a handful of sentences, the reason for an unstoppable Seville, who feels at ease, as demanded as he is exultant.
Filling hearts as stadiums empty.
Monchi announced the renewal of Lopetegui
on January 10, a day after beating Real Sociedad in LaLiga.
It was not necessary so much haste, but it was done with a clear intention: to publicly acknowledge the work of the coach.
Lopetegui, with the scars of the World Cup that Rubiales did not allow him to live and his ungrateful time at Real Madrid, thanked the trust with work and more work.
Since its renewal, five more victories.
Three in the domestic tournament (Alavés, Cádiz and Eibar), which serve to occupy a place in the Champions League, and two more in the Copa del Rey (Leganés and Valencia), which allow
today to face Almería
(Stadiums of the Mediterranean Games, 9:00 p.m.) for a place in the semifinal.
Without forgetting that Borussia Dortmund expects, in just a couple of weeks, in the round of 16 of the European Cup.
June 30, 2024
The ball will always have the last word, but if he continues without question, the Asteasu coach will direct the Nervionenses until June 30, 2024. A boost to his conviction and his tasks.
And a commitment to slow cooking for a Seville of the future.
An obsession of Monchi: that the entity grows slowly
, occupying an elite position that is not a flower of a day.
Modernize each estate and then compete face-to-face with the biggest.
For that he brought Lopetegui: "It is worth facing a long-term project," he said in his presentation.
Light years away are Sampaoli's confetti, Berizzo's disappointment, Montella's discomfort and Machín's inconsistency.
"Sevilla have found a recognized and recognizable leader for a way of playing that from day one was noticed with brilliant results that already elevate the Basque coach to the level of the most successful coaches in the history of Sevilla FC," said the flattering and grateful press release from the club.
In his first season as a Sevilla player, Lopetegui managed to win the sixth Europa League and qualify for the Champions League.
In the current one, the team shows signs of unity, confidence and enthusiasm.
It is a balanced block, with players in an enviable state of form, such as
En-Nesyri or Koundé
.
Applied in defense, with a pragmatic and serene game model, which is difficult to beat, which is difficult to treat.
Lopetegui's best work from the bench.
That "we don't put a roof on" of his presentation still resonates in the José Ramón Cisneros Palacios Sports City, a bunker fifteen minutes from Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán.
In a pandemic, Sevilla has developed an iron
-clad
routine
that protects footballers and the coaching staff from COVID-19, but has also united the group a lot.
The restrictions and precautions have turned the staff into a family with little space for leisure and disorder.
They have each other, and they all have Lopetegui, a coach who, since his time in the lower categories of the Spanish National Team, learned to manage egos and excesses, jealousy and evasions.
Veterans and rookies coexist in the fashionable squad of Spanish football.
Navas, Fernando and Rakitic
act as godparents to a handful of footballers with a thirst for titles and honors.
Peace and love
Is not easy.
Lopetegui is stubborn in his approach and in his unshakable 4-3-3 there is no room for everyone.
The possible loan of the newcomer
Idrissi
, the sale of the youth squad
Carlos Fernández
and the futility of
Mudo Vázquez
collide with the brilliance of
Bono, Suso or Acuña
.
You have to get on the train in gear and whoever does not jump stays at the station.
There is no negotiation with Lopetegui, who gives opportunities with a dropper.
"For me, Almería is the best team in its category. It's a final and you have to face it for what it is," Julen said of his rival today.
His coldness, correction and restraint before the media has nothing to do with the heat and temperament he shows in training and dressing room.
Lopetegui has found in Seville the peace and affection that he so often missed.
Monchi has found in Julen a confidant
and an ideal cook for his signings.
The fans have found in that tandem the indisputable smile that appears on the eve of glory, in the golden prelude to the goal.
According to the criteria of The Trust Project
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Messi contract
2021 business calendar
Leganés - Lugo
Real Betis - Osasuna
Sabadell - UD Logroñés