IVÁN RAKITIC: "IT'S OUR COMPETITION, IF WE APPROACH GAMES WITH EXCITEMENT NOBODY CAN BEAT US"

Iván Rakitic, one of the leaders of Sevilla FC, was the player who accompanied José Luis Mendilibar in the press conference ahead of the quarter-final tie with Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League. The Croatian midfielder began by saying "the team is doing very well, training with a lot of excited before playing a big match. In the last few days we have seen the unity of the group and we must enjoy that. We have to play as well as we can. Tomorrow, we can get a good result and come back to Seville happy."

He also wished to highlight the good form the team has displayed: "We come here off of two good games, where we have been very competitive. We have got to continue this and make life tough for United, trust each other and focus on what is ahead. We have trained very well and we are improving. This is the way to compete."

On the other hand, our midfielder noted the important work of the coaches as the team prepares for the match tomorrow: "The coach has not had it easy because when he arrived, many of the players were with their national sides. The coaching staff have very clear ideas. He wants the same as us, to compete well and see his side know what they need to do on the pitch. We as players know what we have to do and tomorrow is another test for us to show that. ​​​​​​​We have to be confident, we know that it will be tricky because Manchester are the favourites to win the whole competition. We all know the history of Sevilla in this competition and we want to continue in this vain."

"Tomorrow you will see a great performance from Sevilla FC"

On the Sevilla coach, Rakitic noted the day-to-day work: "Mendilibar is very clear. I have competed against his teams for many years, and it is nothing new. The day-to-day process is very important, it has been crucial to have been able to train several days together. The coach is clear and simple. We have to do what he asks of us in training where we play with rhythm and strength. We have to do well in the Europa League and enjoy it."

Finally, he didn't underestimate the importance of tomorrow's clash: "It's our competition, if we approach games with excitement nobody can beat us. With that effort, we can go back home happy. I am happy if we play as we have done in the last few games, tomorrow you will see a great performance from Sevilla FC."