As Manchester City prepare for Wednesday night’s UEFA Super Cup, how are their opponents Sevilla looking ahead of the clash with the European Champions?
Sevilla booked their place in this year’s Super Cup by winning last season’s UEFA Europa League. In recent times the La Liga club have held a monopoly on the Europa League. Last season’s crown was the 7th time they’ve claimed the title. They’ve also won one Super Cup in 2006 and been runners-up on 5 other occasions.
Last season was a disappointing campaign for the Spanish club. They finished 12th in La Liga as the club has set about rebuilding their squad. They began this season with a 2-1 loss to Valencia. The club has fallen on hard times due to the club’s current financial situation. As recently as June 30th this year they were forced to transfer list their entire squad in an attempt to raise funds. Peter Paul Parrado of Marca reported on the drastic step taken to aid the club’s financial situation.
Despite their perilous financial situation, the La Liga club still fought on and won last season’s Europe League. They beat AS Roma on penalties to secure the crown after a 1-all draw. It speaks volumes of the determination of the Sevilla squad to overcome such a hindrance off-field to still achieve a monumental title.
Sevilla possesses quality amongst their squad. Former Manchester City players Fernando and Jesus Navas are expected to line up for the Europa League winners. The main threat up front comes from Moroccan international Youseff En-Nesryi. With Ivan Rakitic also on the squad, Sevilla has the quality to make a tough game for Pep Guardiola’s squad.
Despite the club falling on tough times in recent years, Sevilla will be determined to lift the UEFA Super Cup this season.
