The Basque coach spoke to the press ahead of the match with Juventus.
Genius and figure. José Luis Mendilíbar, who has reshaped Sevilla FC since taking the helm, addressed reporters today ahead of the Europa League semi-final second leg. The Basque manager spoke with calm confidence about his tenure at Sevilla and did so in a straightforward, no-nonsense way.
“Some of you thought… this ‘fool’ turns up for three months and is done for”
“Where is Monchi? The president? ask them. I spent three months at the club and I was very happy. Some people, well, they raised their hands in disbelief and figured I would be gone in no time. They said this guy would be finished after a short spell, but they were mistaken. What matters to me is that it ends well. If we do things right and Sevilla supports us, they will call again from other sides. And if not, we have already found opportunities elsewhere,” Mendilíbar joked in the press room.
“I don’t know who the referee is, I’ll shake his hand and hope he whistles as well as he can”
Regarding the appointment for the return leg against Juventus at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, Mendilíbar noted: “I don’t know who the official is yet. Now I know what you’ve been saying, and I’m not going to look at the cards he’s been dealt or anything like that. I’ll greet him before the game and hope he whistles to the best of his ability.”
These remarks come as Sevilla prepares for a crucial clash with Juventus, with the coach stressing focus on the task ahead and suggesting the team will continue to push for a strong showing in front of their supporters. His comments reflected a blend of sharp practicality and quiet confidence about the squad’s ability to navigate the decisive phase of the competition. (Goal)