Mendilibar: “I have enjoyed football since I arrived at Sevilla”

Jose Luis Mendilibar He gets the finale naturally, just like his diverse rivalries Mourinho as far as European experience goes. The coach of Seville He makes sure that his team knows where he is and where he got to, as he remembers that not all the credit belongs to him, because to reach the final his predecessor, Jorge Sampaolialso had to walk part of the way.

The technician identified his opponent, Mourinho, praising him publicly. “He has as much gray hair as I do. I appreciate your words to me and the club. I’m with him, the story doesn’t win and neither do the accolades. He is the toughest opponent, so he is in the finals”.

He defined the playoff against the PSV and the Fenerbahçesurpassed during the Sampaoli. “When I arrived, the club had already passed the knockout stages, so it’s not just my merit. History is there and it doesn’t lie, the club has been the best team in the competition in these 20 years. People don’t settle for play good games in the league and save the category, but they tell you that the Europa League is there. We played well in the qualifiers against difficult teams. Tomorrow, with our weapons, I am convinced that we can win”, explained the coach of Basque.

deliver He expects a difficult game: “It’s a game that we both deserve to reach. I’m sure it will be complicated for both of them, but I don’t know what is more weighty. This is my first final, unlike my club, the rival and Mourinho. The budget doesn’t count so much, but the game counts, being focused and making as few mistakes as possible.”

The recurring theme of favoritism in a final is always run by everyone. “I don’t think about going out as a favorite or not. I don’t give importance. I think in the bets some will have an advantage, but that won’t translate on the pitch. What I try to do is for my players to be as good as possible and get the best out of them.”

The coach from Biscay was also asked about the block that is typical of Italian teams. “Defensively, Roma are a very strong team and he doesn’t need many chances to score a goal. They are not concerned with reaching the enemy’s goal. They are conveniently close to your place. This is a tough team that rarely gets nervous and plays very quietly. We also have to play calmly.”

However, he did not expect the same game as against Juventus. “It will be different. Manchester It has nothing to do with Juve and it has nothing to do with Roma. They are three strong but different teams. With the same weapons we must win, be calm and any defeat will not hurt us. If we do that right, we’ll have options.”

At ‘eleven’ decided

Mendilibar will bring out his eleven gala. This was expected and the technician confirmed that everything was clear to him. “If nothing happens in training, I have decided on the eleven. I’ve been thinking about it, but since the last game I have it clear.”

“We have no advantage or disadvantage. The one who makes the slightest mistake will take the cat to the water. We know how we’re going to play and how they’re going to play. Our idea is clear and we will not change it”, he added about the game and made sure that the final did not deprive him of sleep: “I will sleep well, I am also sleepy because I woke up early. When you get to these stadiums something hits you, but it’s better to feel it now than tomorrow, so you know what’s going on. I think I can sleep peacefully.”