Unai Emery has warned of the difficulty Sevilla face in first League opponents Malaga, adding it’s time for his team to show their worth on the pitch.
Sevilla go to La Rosaleda in the first fixture of the new Primera season, a Friday evening kick-off, having already contested the UEFA Super Cup, losing to Barcelona.
“Every game is unique and they are three points you can’t get back. The regularity of the League will be our first test of how we are and how we want to be,” he said, AS reports.
“The pre-season work serves to get to know aspects of the team. This is the first competitive game and there’s no trial run, the performance has to be on the pitch.
“We’re reached a competitive level and we want to get going, and Friday is the day.
“It’s easier for Malaga, in their stadium, to win and start the season well. That’s something we have to assume.
“The players have recovered to a high level, we’re just missing Nico Pareja and Dani Carrico. The rest are fine, especially mentally. They’re prepared.
“It’s a great Malaga. They were the first team in training, after Athletic Bilbao. They look settled physically and they’re in good condition.
“They have clear ideas and I expect it to be difficult to beat them. It will demand a lot of us.”
Emery also touched on the status of his squad with the transfer window in mind and the club’s options in goal.
“I’m open to anything that might improve us until August 31. We have to be aware if someone leaves, but we don’t want that,” he added.
“The club is working at it but we have a match and I’m happy with the team. But until August 31, we’re open to all options.
“I’m very clear [on the goalkeeper situation]. I’m confident we will have Beto of two seasons ago and last season’s growth for Sergio Rico.
“I’m confident in them both. I’m sure they will alternate, because I want them both ready.”
