Three-time Europa League winner Unai Emery believes the winner of the European semi-final tie between Juventus and Sevilla ‘will be the favourite to win the trophy’.
The Bianconeri are hungry to find redemption on the European stage after their disastrous Champions League campaign in the first half of this season. Whilst uncertainty surrounds the team and their true position in the Serie A table, winning the Europa League would still secure a spot for them in the Champions League, depending on if UEFA decide to take action or not.
Sevilla have become something of a modern expert in the Europa League, having won the trophy a record six times since the 2005-06 season. Despite their domestic difficulties this campaign, they’ll still be dreaming of lifting the trophy once again.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Emery first looked ahead to the semi-final clash between Juventus and Sevilla.
“It’s like a great final. And I say this with the utmost respect for Mourinho’s Roma and Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen. I am convinced that whoever gets the better of the Bianconeri and the Andalusians will be the favourite to win the trophy in Budapest.
“Juve for the quality of their squad and Sevilla for the champion mentality they have in this competition.”
He was asked which team would have an advantage in the clash.
“I’m rooting for Sevilla. However, if Allegri’s top players are focused on this cup, Juventus will start with a slight advantage. The Bianconeri are on the upswing and have regained their 15 penalty points in the league.
“And if I remember correctly, they have not won an international trophy since the 1990s. Allegri’s team has a good chance, though…”
He clarified why Juventus need to be careful of the Spanish side.
“Juve will have to have great respect for Sevilla for the whole 180 minutes. With the new coach, Mendilibar, they have recovered and have experienced players. They did not eliminate Manchester United in the quarter-finals by accident.
“Playing at the Sanchez Pizjuan is tough for everyone, and it will be tough for Juve in the return leg. There is a unique atmosphere in Sevilla.”
Emery was asked to reveal the secret to winning the Europa League.
“Consider it and approach it as a 100% priority, not as a second division cup. And Sevilla, from the club to the fans, live it like that.
“They are aware that they cannot compete for the Champions League with Real Madrid and so they live the Europa League as if it were the World Cup. And in the end this spirit, which I also learnt there, makes the difference.”
The Spanish coach touched on which players can be decisive for the Bianconeri.
“Di Maria, a born winner. In my time at PSG, I won seven trophies together with Angel and I remember a final decided by one of his goals. He is a champion and in these in or out challenges it is a great advantage to have him on your side. Di Maria has won everywhere.”
He also spoke about Adrien Rabiot and Dusan Vlahovic.
“I’m not surprised, he’s a winner. Vlahovic, I have not coached, but I still think he is one of the best strikers among the Under 25s.”
Emery was asked to choose between Massimiliano Allegri and Jose Mourinho.
“Impossible to choose: they are top coaches. But keep an eye on Xabi Alonso, at Leverkusen he’s proving he has what it takes.”
Finally, Emery spoke about Napoli’s Scudetto this season and if it was a surprise to him.
“No, because it is the consequence of the good decisions made by the club in the sporting field in recent years. To all this was added the talent and hard work of Spalletti and his staff. I admire Luciano a lot. As a football fan this success of Napoli, as well as being deserved, is good news.”