Sevilla sporting director Monchi called Federico Chiesa a ‘special player’ and believes history proves that the Spanish side are not to be underestimated in their semi-final clash with Juventus.
The Bianconeri booked their spot in the Europa League semi-finals after beating Sporting CP 2-1 on aggregate in the quarter-finals, leaving them just three games away from a European title. Considering the team’s poor work in the Champions League this season, success in the Europa League would be a source of some redemption.
Sevilla, who have become something of a modern specialist in the Europa League, thrashed Manchester United 5-2 on aggregate in their quarter-final clash, giving them belief and momentum ahead of the tie with the Old Lady.
Speaking to Tuttosport, Monchi was first asked about the fact that Juventus are looking for a sporting director.
“In my head, now, there’s only Sevilla and the desire to turn the nightmare into the dream.”
He looked ahead to the European semi-final between Sevilla and Juventus.
“I expect a team similar to the one seen against Manchester United. A Sevilla capable of suffering, because there will be suffering for 120-130 minutes, but also the Sevilla we have often seen in the Europa League.
“I think Juve are favourites. The ‘but’ exists because of the important things we have done to win this competition six times. We have beaten stronger teams than us: Inter Milan, Manchester, Benfica, Liverpool… This is our history and why couldn’t it be repeated again this time?
“We know it will be difficult. And we also know that it has been a complicated season for Juve as well, so winning the Europa League would be an important success for them too.
“But we, in our history, have managed to overcome difficult obstacles, sometimes very difficult ones, and that’s why we have the belief to be able to do it again.”
The 54-year-old Spaniard commented on some Juventus players that have impressed him.
“As far as I am concerned, one of the players who impressed me the most at Juve was Federico Chiesa. When I was in Italy he was in Florence and for me he is a special player. Last summer I would have liked to sign Bremer, but it was impossible.”
He refuted the accusation that he was anti-Juventus.
“No, because I am not very ‘anti’. I want to beat Juve, but only because it would mean that Sevilla have won.”
Finally, Monchi highlighted why Juventus pose such a threat to Sevilla in the Europa League semi-finals.
“It’s true that it was a difficult year for them too, but if you look at their starting eleven you realise that they are all strong. Then you look at the bench and you think the same thing. It’s hard to think that Juve are not strong.”