Unai Emery says Sevilla are looking forward to “an exciting week” after Saturday’s 2-0 victory Sporting Gijon in La Liga.
A late double from Kevin Gameiro secured a return to winning ways in the League for Los Nervionenses, and the Coach is relishing the prospect of his team booking their place in the Copa del Rey last 16 on Tuesday, before contesting the Andalucian derby against Real Betis next weekend.
“It was a difficult game,” he said after the game.
“We were sluggish in the first half, but they didn’t take advantage and from there we had to create more in attack.
“[Yevhen] Konoplyanka gave us freshness and profundity down the left.
“We had more chances [after he came on] and the penalty opened the game for us.
“We’re pleased to reach 22 points and continue a run, in which the team hasn’t conceded many goals.
“Now we’re thinking about the Copa and winning at Logrones.
“We must have a good match and transmit energy and pace into our game.
“Then comes the derby. We face an exciting week with optimism and great enthusiasm.
“We must recognise Sporting’s competitive level. They’re very solid in all departments.
“A team can change after they score, but it was key [in terms of the win]. We managed to link up more play [after the goal].
“[On possibly taking off Grzegorz Krychowiak, who was a yellow card away from missing Betis], we want to compete at the highest level in every game.
“If I took him off, I’d be betraying [our cause].”
