‘Sevilla want win, not clean sheet’

Unai Emery says Sevilla will be seeking a first-leg advantage when they open their Europa League last-32 tie with Borussia Monchengladbach on Thursday.

The competition holders play at home in the first match, and while the Coach is wary of the consequences posed by conceding an away goal at Sanchez Pizjuan, he insists his side will do everything in their power to emerge victorious.

“It’s a tie against a major rival, respect is already assumed,” he said at a Press conference.

“They’re third in the Bundesliga and it’s difficult to say who the favourites are. It's a beautiful tie, important for both teams and I think I’ll enjoy it.

“There’s 180 minutes to play, and the issue of goals can be decisive but we’ll be playing at home in front of our fans [in the first leg] and have an obligation to go out and get the win.

“A clean sheet is important but it can’t be more so than the win. In preparing for this match, our priority has been to win.

“Taking caution is necessary. I don’t think [Benoit] Tremoulinas is at risk [of injury if he plays], the question is how he feels after going so long without playing.

“[Kevin] Gameiro is the opposite. He’s been out for less time, but [his injury] was muscular, so [we need to take] more caution. We’ll decide [on Thursday].

“[Borussia] have played four games since Christmas with 1-0 results. I think we'll see a tight game.

“They’re a complete and complex team, and we must be able to read them.

“Last year we were champions [in the Europa League], enjoying our journey. We can’t lose that perspective. We have to flow and recreate the buzz.

“It’s true that it’s similar to the tie against Espanyol, but we have players back now, [even if we] lack others.

“The priority is [Thursday’s] game, but it’ll be the League again after that. The Europa League gives us many concentrated emotions, but the League also gives us the final result of 38 matchdays.”

Tags Borussia Monchengladbach Unai Emery
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