Unai Emery insists Sevilla’s run to the Europa League final has not obstructed their hopes of a top-four finish in La Liga this season.
The Andalucians look destined to finish outside the Champions League places as they lag three points behind Valencia and possess an inferior head-to-head with Los Che.
They can still reach Europe’s elite club competition if they beat Dnipro in Warsaw in a fortnight’s time, but the Coach believes his side still have it all to play for in the League.
“The Europa League has given us a lot and we’re looking forward to the final, but we have games against Almeria and Malaga before that,” he said at a Press conference ahead of Sunday’s encounter with Almeria.
“Fourth is still open to us. There’s still no access to the Champions League in the Europa League as we only have a 50-50 chance [with Dnipro].
“We want to leave both doors open and not close any. The final won’t distract us, we’re three points behind Valencia and we must continue fighting for [fourth].
“We play at home [against Almeria] and our home form has been excellent [this season].
“Controlling the praise we receive is important. It shouldn’t weaken us or make us leave our roadmap [for the season].
“Clearly, the enthusiasm that is being generated is a good thing and makes us stronger.
“The team know how they got to where they are now and what’s needed to continue being successful.
“We’re dedicated to taking these steps. They are short-term objectives that have made these years happen.
“We always strive to be better today than yesterday, and tomorrow better than today.
"We’ve played many games since I arrived here. The team have competed and played with lots of consistency in order to stay alive in competitions. We have to enjoy what’s left.
“The team have grown with a competitive gene that’s been constant up until now.
“They must keep [growing with this gene] until the end of the season because we must be prepared for our next three matches.
“We appreciate the support we received in Florence. The players came back out onto the pitch because they wanted to be with the fans.
“It was a special week after the death of my father. Everyone around me was very close to me, especially the club.
“I spent two unforgettable years [at Almeria] and I have utmost respect for them.
“I want to beat them but I hope they stay up, even though there are other teams involved [in the relegation fight] and I respect them too.”
