Emery: ‘We must respect Fiorentina’

Sevilla boss Unai Emery believes his side must show Fiorentina the utmost respect in Thursday’s Europa League semi-final first leg clash.

Fiorentina visit the Sanchez Pizjuan to take on the holders in what is sure to be a red-hot atmosphere and Emery warned that all Italian teams, not only the Viola, have improved in recent years.

“Fiorentina always try to impose their style on the game and we will have great respect for Vincenzo Montella’s team, “he told a Press conference.

“It should be a good match as all their players are of a very high level and some of them were even targets for us.

“There are now some outstanding Italian sides who have been making major strides in European competition and football there is finding its space after some difficult years.

“Fiorentina have had an excellent season and have knocked three very strong opponents out of this competition.

“They are very similar to us in terms of history and honours and are a team that always wants to win.

“We’ve just played Real Madrid and players like Cristiano Ronaldo. On Thursday we’ll have to deal with [Mohamed] Salah, [Mario] Gomez and Borja Valero.”

Many observers have Sevilla down as favourites to progress to the final but Emery maintains he does not see it that way.

“We can’t say right now who is the more competitive at this level as each team has its own style and players.

“Both can do very well in this competition because they have great potential,” he claimed.

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