Julen Lopetegui appeared in the official media of Seville to explain how he is living the situation that the country is going through: “We are carrying this historic and dramatic moment in the best possible way. We have had the easiest thing to do, which is to stay at home. Our responsibility is to be here and trying to help. “
The Sevilla coach was very critical regarding the decisions that were made and, especially, regarding the delay: “Decisions were required. Health is the priority. The health of those generations that brought Spain out of a postwar period and are now dying in a horrible way. Our elders are the people to whom we owe our lives and it seems to me a great ingratitude to hear certain comments. “And the fact is that this crisis has touched the Seville coach very closely:” People I know in Madrid have died who was very fond of me. We are sad and worried. My oldest son is alone in Madrid and his daily routine is tough. The measures have not been enough, although it is difficult for the decision maker. We had a very clear example in Italy and we looked at it very late. “
LaLiga Santander
* Data updated as of March 23, 2020
In what is day to day with the Sevilla squad, Lopetegui does not hide the difficulty of maintaining a certain normality in such an abnormal situation: “We are busy because it is our individual responsibility, especially in maintaining the daily link with the players and that affect your physical condition as little as possible. Emotional work is also very important because it is good that the head is occupied with things other than the news about the coronavirus. “ And he also warned on how complicated the return to work will be: “This is much more difficult than the return than after the summer, when the players are mentally healthy and fresh. When you talk about two weeks of preparation I think it is done from a point of ignorance. “
Lopetegui wanted to send a message of encouragement to the entire population: “We must not look for culprits or put ourselves in profile. Each one can help, applaud those who help us, in supermarkets, pharmacies, truckers, policemen … What we must do is not to leave home. Whoever skips it is irresponsible and something else “
The Basque coach doubts that LaLiga will return: “It seems strange to me when those responsible talk about dates. It has to be played when everyone can enjoy it. If there is time to finish, it ends. I understand the economic consequences of not finishing a season, of course But I don't understand it well when playing behind closed doors, football is played for people, without people it doesn't make sense. And if you play without people, there is a risk, so you should not play. Three quarters of the season have been disputed, that cannot be ignored, whoever decides to do it for that stretch played is how I see it. “