Sevilla President Jose Castro doesn’t see the club’s recent success as fleeting as they contest the UEFA Super Cup. “We are here to stay.”
Los Rojiblancos also this season return to the Champions League after winning their second straight Europa League, qualifying for the Champions League as a result of last season’s success.
“We’re in a new season and we have the necessary elements because it is a very important year for us,” Castro told an interview with Marca.
“I’ve said it 20 times. We’ve not been in the Champions League for a while, we are here to stay, and we have made a major economic effort.
“Let’s try to progress in the Champions League knowing how competitive Spanish football is. We want to play an important role in the League and stay in the Champions League. Continued growth is our way. We want more, to win it all.
“The Super Cup is exciting and the first chance to win a trophy. From there the season is exciting. We can do great things, return to the Champions League, see which group we’re in.”
The timing of the Super Cup has though raised eyebrows, earlier in the season than usual, and in the abrasive heat of Tbilisi.
“It’s unusual for many reasons. The date, in the holidays, the site is far away…there’s not going to be the fans or the heat we wanted, but it is what it is,” Castro lamented.
“UEFA have decided that we have to play in Tbilisi, and we only want to do well. We’re excited and we have a competitive squad. We just hope it goes well.
“We face the game with the same enthusiasm as before, and the same desire. All I can think about is winning and continuing to grow. That’s my obligation as the leader of Sevilla.
“The final is a prize in itself, it’s difficult to get here, and the win would be great. We have to savour the occasion.”
Castro was asked about the final weeks of the transfer market and, in particular, if Sevilla will try to sign a striker before the end of the window.
“The coaching staff are there, in pre-season, to see in what positions we’re lacking. We’ll study what they say before the deadline,” he acknowledged.
“You know what Sevilla is like. We’re always open to the possibilities of the market.
“[Fernando Llorente?] Just wait. We’re engaged with the final. That’s bigger than a transfer.”
