Sevilla’s opening day encounter of the 2019/2020 La Liga campaign against David Gallego’s Espanyol resulted in a 2-0 win for the Andalucían giants via goals from Sergio Reguilón (44th minute) and Nolito (86th minute).
Julen Lopetegui’s ambitious side recorded their first La Liga win of the new season and maintained 55.2% of the possession throughout the encounter against Espanyol compared to the Periquitos 44.8%. Sevilla meanwhile registered more shots on goal overall (12) in contrast to Gallego’s Catalonia-based side (seven). Espanyol, who finished seventh in La Liga last season, as well as reaching the Quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey, failed to decisively capitalize on their created chances and opportunities in front of goal throughout the match.
Moreover, Sevilla delivered seven crosses throughout the game against Espanyol with Sevilla’s Czech Repubic international goalkeeper Tomáš Vaclík making two very key saves to negate Espanyol from scoring.
Sevilla’s next seven 2019/2020 La Liga fixtures are against: Granada CF (Away – August 23), Celta Vigo (Home – August 30), Alavés (Away – September 15), Real Madrid (Home – September 22), Eibar (Away – September 26), Real Sociedad (Home – September 29) and FC Barcelona (Away – October 6).
Prior to Sevilla’s La Liga encounter against Granada CF at the Nuevo Estadio de Los Cármenes in Andalucía, FOX Sports Radio 96.9 FM/1340 AM’s Dean Perretta briefly caught up with Sevilla star Munir El Haddadi, formerly of FC Barcelona, to discuss Los Rojiblancos expectations and targets this season, coupled alongside Munir’s thoughts on Julen Lopetegui and challenging for domestic and European trophies.
Dean Perretta: Munir, Sevilla finished sixth last season in La Liga and qualified to compete in the UEFA Europa League this term. However, what are the general expectations in the Andalucían media regarding Sevilla’s progression this season?
Munir El Haddadi: I think Sevilla has moved very well in the (transfer) market and we have made a very competitive team. It is true that there is a new coach (Julen Lopetegui) and many players have arrived this summer (to strengthen the squad), but we are working to form a solid unit. Of course our goal should be to reach the qualification for the (UEFA) Champions League and fight (hard to compete and challenge) in both the Copa del Rey and the Europa League, which has given so many joys to the fans (of our club).
Dean Perretta: Can you talk about Julen Lopetegui and how his training and management style has played a role in your continued professional development?
Munir El Haddadi: Julen (Lopetegui) is a great coach, with a defined style and who knows very well what he wants. I think his past job (experiences at Real Madrid, Spain national team and FC Porto) is there and he speaks very well of what he wants within the field (from us as players). We have trained this preseason very well and I think it will be a great year for all Sevillism.
Dean Perretta: Which particular positional areas and technical elements do you think Sevilla has improved the most during the summer?
Munir El Haddadi: I think Monchi (Sevilla’s sporting director) is a great connoisseur of the club; what Sevilla needs and that is why he has moved with great success and variety in this (transfer) market. Last year was not as good as we expected (finishing sixth in La Liga and not winning a trophy) and this summer we have worked to improve and have a more competitive team that allows us to achieve the objectives (of challenging for trophies).
Dean Perretta: The last European trophy Sevilla won was the UEFA Europa League in 2016. However, do you think the club has an opportunity to win the UEFA Europa League this season given the overall quality and chemistry within the team?
Munir El Haddadi: It is too early to say. The (UEFA) Europa League is a very exciting competition that as I said before and brings very good memories to Sevilla. Undoubtedly we must do a good job training, take a good dynamic in the League (La Liga) and when Europe arrives it will be seen. What is clear is that we will do our best to get as far as possible in all three competitions (La Liga, Copa del Rey and UEFA Europa League).
Dean Perretta: Finally, can you talk about Sevilla’s preseason training camp and how it has effectively shaped the team for 2019/2020?
Munir El Haddadi: The preseason work has been very good. We have charged the batteries on a physical level, we have worked on the team concepts that the coach (Julen Lopetegui) wanted and I think we have shown against rivals, such as, Liverpool or (TSG 1899) Hoffenheim that we are prepared to start the League against Espanyol well; a team that has already played official matches. It has been a good preseason (for us) and we are looking forward to starting the (La Liga) championship.
