Although a go to to Old Trafford could look like a frightening prospect for a lot of groups, for Sevilla, who’re famend for his or her success within the Europa League, the journey represents a much-needed respite from the pains of their home marketing campaign.
The Andalucians, led by Jose Luis Mendilibar – their third coach of the season – have been mired in a relegation scrap in La Liga, however discover themselves on extra acquainted floor in Europe.
Record six-time Europa League champions, Sevilla’s gamers are extra accustomed to battling for silverware than survival, and have proven indicators of enchancment underneath Mendilibar.
That give them some hope of overcoming Erik ten Hag’s three-time European Cup winners within the quarterfinal, which might earn redemption with supporters after a 12 months to neglect.
“I’m convinced that, in Europe, Sevilla are respected more than in La Liga, because of what they have done in the Europa League, with a lot of titles quite recently,” stated Mendilibar in March after taking up from Jorge Sampaoli.
“In Manchester they will feel they are favorites, but with respect for Sevilla.”
Behind Sevilla, Inter Milan, Liverpool, Juventus and Atletico Madrid have every received the trophy thrice, whereas Manchester United lifted it as soon as, in 2017.
Despite holding their very own in opposition to such esteemed firm on the continent, domestically Sevilla have fallen and are presently thirteenth, 5 factors above the underside three.
“(We’re doing) quite well in European competition, unlike the national league, sadly,” stated veteran midfielder Ivan Rakitic advised UEFA.
“But we know Sevilla’s overall history in Europe.”
Season of battle
Sevilla’s battle began when the membership’s poor monetary state pressured them to promote key defenders Jules Kounde and Diego Carlos to Barcelona and Aston Villa respectively, ripping in half one of many continent’s sturdiest backlines.
A wager on former Real Madrid playmaker Isco didn’t work, with the participant leaving in December by mutual consent.
Despite a poor end final season the membership determined to maintain Julen Lopetegui on the helm, however changed him in October after only one win in 10 video games.
A 4-1 hammering by Borussia Dortmund within the Champions League was the ultimate straw, and Sampaoli was appointed for his second spell on the membership.
The Argentine coach helped the crew to a attract Dortmund and a win over Copenhagen to make sure they’d drop into the Europa League, relatively than out of Europe solely.
Despite overcoming PSV and Fenerbahçe to arrange a quarterfinal conflict with Manchester United, Sampaoli’s dismal league kind noticed him eliminated with the crew 14th, simply two factors above the drop zone.
Mendilibar is working with a back-to-basics, extra direct fashion. It paid instantaneous dividends with a 2-0 win at relegation rivals Cadiz in his first sport.
They moved two targets up in opposition to Celta Vigo final Friday in his second match, earlier than the guests struck twice late on on the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan to push Sevilla again into the scrap.
Morocco worldwide Youssef En-Nesyri has discovered his capturing boots and is an aerial menace, which could possibly be helpful at Old Trafford.
Lucas Ocampos, again from mortgage at Ajax, is one other explosive possibility who may give Mendilibar’s aspect a combating likelihood of a consequence on the street, together with the tough Bryan Gil, on mortgage from Tottenham.
Sevilla will be unable to name on midfield powerhouse Pape Gueye, who just isn’t registered for the competitors, whereas United could have Casemiro out there after his Premier League suspension.
“Here in the city, people say the Europa League is Sevilla’s competition,” added Rakitic.
“It’s one thing which belongs to us as a result of we’ve received it six occasions within the final 15 or so years.
“Respect to everyone who’s also won it, but it is somehow our competition.”
Rashford out
Manchester United nonetheless have acquired a serious blow to their squad as their talisman Marcus Rashford will miss Thursday’s tie with Sevilla after being dominated out for “a few games” with a muscle harm he picked up in opposition to Everton on Saturday.
The 25-year-old has been in tremendous kind for Erik ten Hag’s aspect in current months however limped out of the 2-0 Premier League win over the Toffees.
“Marcus Rashford will be unavailable for Thursday’s UEFA Europa League quarterfinal game against Sevilla because of a muscle injury,” United stated in an announcement on Wednesday.
“The ahead was withdrawn within the eightieth minute of Saturday’s 2-0 Premier League win over Everton at Old Trafford and instantly headed to the dressing room for remedy.
“Subsequent assessment of the injury suggested that Marcus will be unavailable for a few games, but is expected to be back for the season run-in.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com
