Diego Lopez has told his new Sevilla teammates to focus on this season and forget last term’s disappointment.
Los Rojiblancos finished a disappointing ninth in the 2011-12 campaign and missed out on European football this season but goalkeeper Lopez, signed for €3.5m from relegated Villarreal, believes any negativity should be immediately banished from the players’ minds.
“Last year is still very present and I think we have to clean that mentality and change our way of thinking because I believe this team can fight to be near the top of the table,” Lopez told Marca.
Los Rojiblancos suffered a 1-0 reverse in a friendly at Andalusian neighbours Cordoba in midweek and Lopez insists that, although Michel’s men did not play particularly well, they are improving little by little.
“We clearly did not play well in either half and lost to a team from La Segunda.
“The start of La Liga is very close and we need to continue improving and working hard, although you won’t see the level of this team in friendlies.
“It will be more competitive against the bigger sides and step by step we will improve and raise ourselves to the higher level.”
Finally, Galicia-born Lopez told of how he is adapting to life in Sevilla after spending the last five years at El Madrigal.
“It’s perfect and feels as if I have been here for many years. I have fitted in well with the people and them to me. I am very happy,” he added.
