Unai Emery has acknowledged Copa del Rey opponents Atletico Madrid’s strength, but says it does not guarantee them a win over Sevilla.
Atleti host the Andalucian outfit on Thursday evening in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final.
“It will be a tough tie that we believed will have to be decided back in Seville,” reflected Coach Emery in build-up.
“Atletico are an opponent who are second in the League on merit. Simeone has given them a very personal touch. At home they are strong, but this is no guarantee that they will win the game.
“We have the utmost respect, but that does lead to fear. They are a very difficult opponent, but we will have our way to deal with them.
“We are near an important goal, to play in a final, which would also probably mean being in Europe. My players are strong and mentally prepared, but we realise that it will be difficult.
“We have had our issues in recent games, the departure of Diego Lopez, the injury to Andres Palop, but we need to fill the gaps we find with other virtues, of which there are many.”
Federico Fazio is strongly linked with a move to Zenit St Petersburg today, but he has been included in the squad for tonight’s game.
“To think about the hypothetical situations of a player leaving or not, before a semi-final, would be wasted energy.
“Those who are able to travel for the game will prepare for it and are all able to play.”
