Unai Emery says his Sevilla team needs to create some hope and excitement right from the beginning of next season.
Speaking at a Press conference after being reunited with his players on Friday, the former Almeria, Valencia and Spartak Moscow boss also declared he was seeking unity between the club and its supporters during the forthcoming campaign.
“What we have to do right from the off, when we take the first steps of what is a long season, is to create hope and excitement among the fans and be positive,” said Emery.
“This needs to be transmitted to the outside so that it gets channelled back to us, and that is a positive thing, so we must consistently generate hope. We are looking forward to it and the team will have a high commitment to work.
“Our aim will be to unite everybody over the whole season and, besides our objectives, to have togetherness so that things go well.”
The 41-year-old was then asked about striker Alvaro Negredo, who has been linked with a move to Manchester City, and addressed the issue of a possible replacement for the Spanish international.
“The cards are on the table. Negredo is very important to Sevilla and is so for two reasons: the first is that he is still with us and the second is that the club would benefit significantly from his sale.
“We have to continue working and that’s what the player is doing, even taking part in discussions as captain knowing that he could go, but whatever happens would be good for both parties.
“I’m very happy with how Negredo has developed. I had him at Almeria and he has got better and better. If he does eventually go then we are prepared for it and are looking at alternatives.
“We won’t be able to bring in someone with the same characteristics but the club has extensive experience in this kind of work, so I have total confidence that any player who comes here can help us improve.”
