Emery wary of ‘competitive’ Rayo

Unai Emery has warned Sevilla that Rayo Vallecano can spring a surprise at the Sanchez Pizjuan on Sunday if they do not play as a team.

The Andalucians failed to capitalise on Valencia’s recent dip in form, having drawn their last two games in La Liga, but the Coach is still hopeful about his side’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League playoffs next season.

“There’s been a dynamic in which the team have grown,” he said at a Press conference.

“You have to adapt quickly to each competition, and that consistency is what allows us to compete in both [La Liga and the Europa League].

“Our performances must improve with each game. Now we have the opportunity of examining ourselves in the League.

“We’re about to face a team who are doing well and have the capacity to respond to us. We’re charged up.

“[Rayo Vallecano] are characterised by competing a lot. They’ve showed a lot of very positive things.

“If we don’t function as a team, we’ll bring complications into the match. They’re still near the European places and could get closer, so they’ll offer much resistance.

“We have reasons to be excited. We’ll enjoy the tie against Fiorentina and we’re still in with a chance of finishing fourth in the League, although we’re not favourites.

“Our rivals are ahead, but we still have hopes of getting there. We’ve only collected two points from a possible six in recent weeks, so we need to catch up.

“[The Sanchez Pizjuan] is a fortress and we feel well there, but that will motivate our opponents.

“We must respect Rayo because they’re a dangerous team. You have to run a lot and demand a lot in order to win games like these.

"The consequences of playing many matches are these [absences]. We must accept these things. We have a full squad [for Rayo] and everyone’s prepared.

“Playing in two competitions is always supposed to give you more chances of achieving success.

“Now we want to keep collecting points in the League because we’re close to fourth place and have that European dream, [the latter of] which is always better for motivation.”

Tags Fiorentina Unai Emery
La Liga - Club News