THE CHAIRMAN SPEAKS TO THE GUARDIAN ABOUT UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE SUCCESS

The prestigious British newspaper The Guardian, ahead of Sevilla FC's sixth UEFA Europa League, published an interview with the club chairman, José Castro, in which he analyses the keys to the European success that the club has had over the last fifteen years. 

"No one has bet on the Europa League like us. Our budget is not even €200m when others have €500m, €600m, €700m. We must be doing something right. The reality is this competition is made to measure, more our size, and we want to win it. And, in this competition the club is transformed", stated Castro.

"Holding the cup is unique, you can’t explain it in words or write it on a piece of paper"

The Sevilla FC Chairman also spoke about qualifying for the Champions League via LaLiga, although he stressed the need to win titles: "It’s fundamental to be in the Champions League but you may go many times and never touch silver; with the clubs there, it’s virtually impossible. And touching that metal, holding the cup, is unique. You can’t explain it in words or write it on a piece of paper. Every single player who comes here, the president shows him the Europa Leagues [trophies] and says we need more. Together we grow, filling that cabinet with history". 

Castro spoke about Lopetegui's arrival at the club a year ago, the manager who led the club to another UEFA Europa League triumph: "There was unfounded criticism, but Monchi proposed Julen and in five minutes you could see. He fits our idiosyncrasies perfectly. He saw the trophies and said: ‘We have to add to those".

"Sevilla is owned and run by Sevillistas, who live and die for it"

The Chairman also spoke about the fans who, unfortunately, were not able to accompany their side in Europe, and highlighted the powerful strength they bring: "At full-time I thought of the fans who weren’t there. Sevilla is owned and run by Sevillistas, who live and die for it. You give your ability, your work, but above all your love. Almost all the staff are fans; there’s never a ‘no’". 

Finally, José Castro spoke about how, in an empty stadium, the squad have felt the passion of the fans by listening to El Arrebato's Centenary Anthem, a song which put his hairs on end when he was presented with it over 15 years ago, he admitted: "In the silence of the stadium, believe me, the players hear it. They feel it. In the end what matters is making people happy, especially at this time. That’s priceless".