Sevilla Coach Unai Emery insists his team will not take Europa League opponents Maribor lightly.
Emery pointed to Los Rojiblancos’ experience in the Copa del Rey as a warning after the team were eliminated from the competition by third tier Racing Santander.
He added that while it’s true Maribor are not a club the size of Sevilla, they’ve done something right to get to this stage.
“Maribor aren’t the stature of Sevilla but they’re here for a reason,” Emery told a pre-match Press conference.
“We have the utmost respect for them and know a game can bring surprises.”
Emery added that he hopes to have Marko Marin available soon and believes the Sevilla squad is strong enough to compete in the second half of the season.
“Marin is taking time to get over some annoying injuries,” Emery continued.
“But when we consider the improvement in the kids in the cantera, there is a balanced team.
“Marin is close and I expect him back soon.”
Goalkeeper Javi Varas also took part in the Press conference and insisted the game with Maribor will not be decided tonight.
“It’s impossible to close the tie here,” he said.
“There are 180 minutes and you have to respect a team that has come through the previous rounds and group stage to be here.”
