Sevilla coach José Luis Mendilibar noted that ‘history does not lie’ ahead of the Europa League final with Roma.
The Spanish side are the record winners of the Europa League, having lifted the trophy six times in the past, with their most recent victory coming in the 2019-20 season. Despite their domestic difficulties this campaign, Sevilla are hungry to secure their seventh title in the competition.
Jose Mourinho guided Roma to their first ever major European honour in the Conference League last season and is now working hard to one-up his work this campaign. The final will kick off on May 31 at the Puskas Arena.
Speaking in a press conference, Mendilibar first discussed what the Europa League means to Sevilla.
“When I arrived, the club had played several matches in the Europa League. History does not lie, in the last 20 years Sevilla has been the best. The trophies are in the trophy cabinet.
“People are not satisfied with good performances, they want the Europa League. We have done well on the way, tomorrow we will play against a different team. I’m convinced we can do well.”
He was asked about Mourinho’s statements ahead of the final. The Portuguese coach was quick to brush off Sevilla’s historical success in the competition.
“It will be a football match, we both deserve the final. Both will give everything to win. At a time like this, the budget doesn’t matter. We must not make mistakes, we will try to make as few as possible.
“He had grey hair before me. History does not play, but neither will good words towards the opponent. We have beaten great teams and tomorrow our approach will be the same. We will see who will win.”
The Sevilla coach was asked about his future.
“It doesn’t matter. I haven’t signed anything, if I had kept us I would have signed a two-year contract. I’ll try to win tomorrow’s game, finish the season at my best and then we’ll see. I’m not thinking about that at the moment.”
He was not interested in Mourinho’s suggestion that Sevilla are the favourites.
“It doesn’t matter, I don’t think about it. Sure it’s important for the bookmakers, but this small advantage doesn’t translate on the pitch.”
Mendilibar gave his thoughts on how Roma set up.
“They have no problem defending, while we want to attack. They know how to play in both halves of the pitch. Roma are tough. They’re not a nervous team as the minutes go by. We should be calm too.”
Finally, Mendilibar touched on Sevilla’s approach against the Giallorossi and if it’ll be different to their previous games.
“Roma have nothing to do with United and Juve. They are all strong, but Roma are different. We will try to beat this opponent. Without losing possession of the ball we might have chances to win the game.”