Thursday, 24th April, 2014
Sevilla manager Unai Emery has urged his side to forget about the Spanish league and divert their complete attention to their opening game of the Europa League semi-final tie against Spanish rivals Valencia today.
Sevilla are fifth in La Liga’s table and are just three points behind a Champions League spot. They have been unbeaten in 13 home games against the Mestalla outfit, and will be hoping to continue their winning momentum in the European tournament.
But Emery, who was at the helm of the Bats for four years from 2008, feels the team’s position in the domestic league will not be a factor of importance as his side are solely focussed on the game in hand and insisted his experience with Valencia will not change things.
“The Liga has nothing to do with this competition”, he was quoted as saying by UEFA’s site.
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“The only thing that we have to focus on is this match. The final in Turin is a long way away. We have to stay in the moment.
“I was there for four years, and that made me a better person and a better coach, but I am now 100% Sevilla”, the 42-year-old continued.
“We know Valencia, but the fact I know some of the players I trained is not an advantage for us. I expect the best from Valencia – they are a good team with good players.”
Sevilla won back to back UEFA Cups in 2006 and 2007 and will be hoping to get a step closer to their third victory as they get ready for the first leg at the Mestalla.
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