Emery: ‘Beating Zenit a priority’

Sevilla boss Unai Emery insists beating Zenit St. Petersburg in the Europa League on Thursday is a priority.

Los Rojiblancos take on the Russians at the Sanchez Pizjuan in the quarter-finals of the competition and Emery is banking on getting a positive result from the first-leg encounter.

“We are experienced in both scenarios, home at first and vice-versa, but we want to take advantage of playing here first and winning the game,” he told a Press conference.

“If we manage to keep a clean sheet it will be a major plus, although I doubt the tie will be settled as Zenit are a team who will be determined it is played over the full 180 minutes.

“It’s true they have some key players injured but we’re playing against a team with great international experience, who are top of the Russian League, and have won this competition before.

“Just because a few are out doesn’t mean it will be easy and they are going to give us a battle.”

The Andalusians go into the game in a great run of form but Emery believes it will have no bearing on the outcome.

“We come into the game in a rich vein of form but there’s no guarantee it will continue that way against Zenit.

“However, what it does give us is a great deal of self-confidence,” he maintained.

Tags Unai Emery Zenit St Petersburg
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