SEVILLA
Monchi returns: "The Godfather 2 was better than The Godfather"
Monchi said he is back to assume his role and says the club's shareholder did not give him the impression they want to sell and says he is ready for the challenge.
Monchi returned to Sevilla on Sunday and appeared before the press to explain the reasons why he is back at the club he left two years ago. Accompanied by President José Castro, the sporting director explained what he intends to do in his new, old role.
"He returns to the same role that he left, much more than a sporting director who will have lots of say in the club's sporting management," said Castro.
How do you feel? "First, I want to say thanks to everyone for being here. It's a strange day, difficult to imagine and complicated to explain with words. It's a day I wanted to happen as soon as possible and not it's being fulfilled. Thanks to everyone who has helped to bring me home here today. I am reminded of Roberto Alés, because I am here because he gave me the opportunity to be the sporting director. I am not here today because I am sevillista, which I am, but it's not an argument for me being here today. Neither am I here to save anyone's arse because Sevilla is a model club and envied around the world. I am here because they transmit to me an idea of the future of Sevilla that coincides with what I have in my mind and what I think the future of Sevilla should be.
Returning forever? "I come convinced that there is lots of work to do, and that there is lots of work that has been done which I can support. The last time, I was here for 18 years and I come with hope to be here for as long as possible. I don't have any other thing in my head that is not lasting continuity.
What sporting plans do you have? "I just landed and before I give my opinion, I have to get to know. It would be absurd to say that tomorrow I will renew Sarabia, Ben Yedder, Banega... first I have to know what is being said and from there, I will make deisions based on what I believe is the best for the club. Machin? The club acted as it had to, because they couldn't wait for Monchi. They weighed up the pros and cons and the club made the decision as to what they thought was best for the club.
Your opinion on the possible sale of the club? "In the conversations I have had with the main shareholders and the president, the only thing I got was the desire to speak about the future, long-term projects and things that I like to hear. I didn't get the feeling that they wanted to sell their shares because if I did, I would have made another decision.
Are you aware of outside expectations? "Is it difficult to manage outside expectations. I know that my arrival would bring a bigger pressure in the club's objectives but I have counted that too. Many people outside of Sevilla have told me I'm wrong that second parts are never as good. But I know all of that, I have weighed it up and I am here. The Godfather 2 was better than the Godfather 1."
Did you reject Arsenal? "If I had done a deal with Arsenal, I wouldn't be here. They showed interest and I weighed up all the offers I had on the table and made this decision."