Emery backs misfiring strikers

Unai Emery has backed Fernando Llorente and Ciro Immobile to eventually come good ahead of Sevilla's trip to Levante in La Liga on Friday.

The Andalucians' winless start to the season has been compounded by injuries to three of their centre-backs and no goals from any of their strikers after two League games, but the Coach insists he has no shortage of faith in his squad.

“Injuries are a part of the game. For this, we have Luismi and Kolo [Timothee Kolodzieczjak] and signed [Marco] Andreoll,” he said at a Press conference.

“We're going forward with the same confidence [as we did prior to our injuries].

“[On using Coke and Grzegorz Krychowiak at centre-back], I typically use each player in their natural position because it's where they give their best performances, but I won't rule out other options if the circumstances lead us down that path.

“I've channelled all my focus into what's best for us. If our players are called up to their national teams then it promotes our club and I respect it, even though my selfishness means I don't want them to go.

“[International breaks] have their pros and cons, but we have to accept it.

“No opponents are affordable. Levante's a difficult game, they're a very competitive team who want to take a little step forward and will have a good seasons.

“[On Fernando Llorente], it's a different game to Atletico and we need to maximise the options we have and provide service to our strikers.

“I think our three strikers will prove to be very important during the course of the season.

“[On playing two up front against Levante], we work with two tactical variants, either in a 4-2-3-1 or with the No 10 playing further forward.

“First and foremost, however, we want the team to be solid and have balance.

“[On Ciro Immobile], the season is long and every player will get their chance.

“During his process of adaptation, he's performed well in training and we're happy with where he is at the moment.

“The idea is to place the utmost confidence in our goalkeepers and work hard with them so they can give the best of themselves.

“Their participation will be based on how we see them in each match.

“[On the Gerard Pique boos], as a fan I encourage, trust and applaud every player. I'm not one to mix politics with sport.”

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La Liga - Club News