Emery: Sevilla must continue up

Unai Emery has called on Sevilla and Jose Antonio Reyes to build on Sunday’s derby win with a performance against Estoril.

Los Nervionenses host their Portuguese Group H rivals in the fifth matchday of the Europa League group phase aware that a win would guarantee progression to the knockout stages and that a draw may also prove enough.

For their Coach, though, confidence for the situation and for the team’s convincing derby win over Real Betis on Sunday must not distract the side from trying to further themselves.

“Estoril are a dangerous team that are not fourth in Portugal for nothing,” Emery stated at today’s Press conference.

“They do things right and win more games away from home than at home, hence our respect for them is high.

“Moreover, in the Europa League, whilst it is certain that they have not done well, we must also recognise the problems that they caused us, that they drew with Freiburg and that they only lost to Liberec because they were playing with 10 men.

“After the Seville derby we have to be cautious and prudent, and we have to improve and do more. Sunday’s victory does not hide a reality, which is that we have to continue growing.”

Emery handed Jose Antonio Reyes a first League start of the season at the weekend and he responded with a performance.

“Jose Antoinio Reyes is…Jose Antonio Reyes. He has innate qualities for football and now he must have the continuity.

“What we saw on Sunday is what we were waiting for three months for since his injury, which was more complicated than it should have been.

“We expected this [level] because he began preseason well and now we need him to continue to demonstrate.”

Emery was asked for his take on the racist abuse Real Betis fans chanted during Sunday’s derby, initially believed to be at their own player Paulao, but otherwise thought to have been directed at Sevilla’s Stephane Mbia.

“I agree with what the President of FIFA said yesterday. We have to clean football of these things and show the utmost respect.”

Tags Emery Estoril Reyes
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