Sevilla face another important few days. They welcome West Ham United to the Sanchez-Pizjuan on Thursday evening in the first leg of their Europa League last 16 clash before travelling to the Spanish capital to lock horns with Rayo Vallecano in La Liga.
The Andalusian outfit dropped points last weekend on the road at Deportivo Alaves, a fact coupled with Real Madrid’s victory over Real Sociedad that means Sevilla are currently eight points behind Los Blancos in second place. Their shot at the title is looking like it’s becoming slimmer and slimmer.
Sevilla haven’t been playing scintillating football this season but they have been getting results. Now that the results are starting to dry up, however, and Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are beginning to look ominous behind them, one could be forgive for wondering whether there could be discontent emerging at the Sanchez Pizjuan. Some have even wondered whether coach Julen Lopetegui is getting the best out of his players this season, a suggestion immediately shot down by sporting director Monchi.
“There isn’t a discussion,” he said as carried by Marca. “The other day, when we won the derby, I heard the stadium sing his name. There aren’t many coaches who had had that and that’s for a reason. I think the supporters are content but I understand that there are people who may disagree.
“Lopetegui’s work is not just outstanding, it’s excellent. The only thing I wonder about Lopetegui is how many more years he’ll be with us. The more, the better. That means we’ll have convinced Julen that we have years of glory and joy ahead of us. That’s the only thing I wonder about with regards to Julen’s continuity. I hope he’s with us for a long time.”
