Sevilla boss Michel warned his players this week that failure to qualify for European competition next season is not an option. In fact, the 49-year-old has told them if they feel anxious about the task ahead then they are free to leave, as it would be inexplicable for a club of Sevilla’s stature to miss out again after last term’s disappointing ninth-place finish. “If our obsession with Europe harms a person then that is because they are not ready to be at this club,” Michel said at a Press conference. “Not to be in Europe next year would be inexplicable and inexcusable. If that causes anyone anxiety then that person only has to put their hand up and they can leave.” However, Michel feels his team will be mentally stronger than last year and believes there is a greater incentive among the squad to do well. “The players have reflected on last season and this has made our work much easier. The team certainly has more composure, and it shows. “We have not forgotten finishing ninth and that gives us an added incentive.” On the other hand, the former Real Madrid player acknowledged that some of his players may even move on before the start of the season, with striker Alvaro Negredo being linked with a switch to Malaga. “If a club comes to us and wants to pay a lot of money, which I know can happen, then we will still continue to improve,” he said defiantly. “It could happen at the moment but in that sense I am very relaxed, although if it does then the club always prepares a contingency plan.”
