It's very nice La Liga restarts with Seville derby: Jesus Navas

KOLKATA: The Seville derby is one of the most prominent and passionate matches in the La Liga. That is the game in focus right now as the Spanish top flight will return to action after nearly three months owing to Covid-19 outbreak on June 11 with Sevilla FC facing Real Betis.
Sevilla FC's star player and World Cup winner with Spain, Jesus Navas, is looking forward to the encounter that La Liga president Javier Tebas has termed as "a game for all of Spain".
In an exclusive interview with the TOI --- facilitated by Sevilla FC's media department --- the 34-year-old speaks about the derby, the resumption of La Liga, adapting to the new norms and his long association with the club.
Excerpts:
How are you and your family members? Tell us about the situation in Spain right now?
We're all fine in my family. In Spain, it seems that the situation is improving little by little. Let's hope everything keeps improving and normalcy returns as soon as possible.
The La Liga will restart on June 11 with the Seville derby. How does it feel to you and Sevilla FC to be part of that match?
It is very nice that the start of La Liga, after a three-month break, is a derby match. It's a very special match for us and our fans. We are very keen for the match day to come around, go for a win and dedicate it to our fans, who unfortunately cannot be alongside us.
Are you looking forward to playing again? Are there any concerns in your mind?
Yes, we are very eager to train, eager to enjoy football. Personally I'm very keen on playing again, because it will mean everything is going well.
With all the guidelines in place, how do the practice sessions feel and in what ways playing a match would be different now, especially without the supporters in the stands?
Everything is different, we have to adapt as soon as possible to this situation. We need to train strongly, both physically and mentally in order to be ready. Because, it's not easy playing behind closed doors. Our fans are really great, who support us throughout the entire match. But, I'm sure we will adapt well and we will be very focused to keep up our great season and be able to dedicate it to our supporters.
You have played over 500 games for Sevilla FC. How special is this club for you? Do you feel the team will be hungrier after the break and give a very strong challenge to FC Barcelona and Real Madrid in the fight for the title?
Sevilla is everything for me. I've experienced so many nice moments and I hope I can continue achieving more triumphs with Sevilla and enjoy with our supporters. We are an ambitious team and we are very excited to continue with this great season that we have had, stay in the Champions League places and strive for the maximum. Fighting for everything is in the DNA of Sevilla FC.