Sevilla and Manchester United, who are set to play against each other in the Europa League on Thursday, both secured 2-0 victories in their respective domestic matches
Sevilla coach Jose Luis Mendilibar has urged his team to unleash their full potential in the Europa League rematch against Manchester United on Thursday, saying he wants his players “to remove the ropes that bind us.” Despite winning 2-0 against Valencia in LaLiga on Sunday, Mendilibar felt that his team’s performance was lacking something.
Mendilibar sees it as an advantage that his team can still secure victories even when they are not performing at their best. He hopes that they will be at their best in the crucial match against Manchester United on Thursday. The tie is currently level at 2-2 after Sevilla managed to make a comeback in the first leg in Manchester.
Speaking after his team’s victory at Mestalla, Mendilibar said: “We have to gain confidence. Sometimes you don’t play well and the result is with you. That makes you think that when you play well, you’re going to do even better.
“It’s going to give us peace of mind to be able to compete against Manchester on Thursday.”
Sevilla wary of the danger Man Utd poses
Sevilla scored two goals in their match against Valencia on Sunday. The first goal was scored by Loic Bade in the 55th minute, taking advantage of disorganized defense from a corner. The second goal was a clean hit into the left corner by Suso in the 75th minute.
Valencia’s Ilaix Moriba was sent off towards the end of the game as they were unable to mount a comeback.
“We’re having success in front of goal,” said Mendilibar. “We’ve scored two goals in each game, It’s what’s giving us life.”
Sevilla has scored two goals in each of their last four matches, winning twice and drawing the other two.
This run of games came after Jose Luis Mendilibar was appointed as the new manager on March 21 to replace Jorge Sampaoli, and there has been a gradual improvement in their performance.
“We hope to be able to remove the ropes that bind us,” Mendilibar said.
United also won 2-0 on their travels on Sunday, beating Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
Mendilibar knows the threat Erik ten Hag’s team will pose, but likes Sevilla’s future prospects and said: “We hope to be able to bring quality into play from now on, not just with goals.”
