Emery Ready For 'Difficult' Sevilla Clash

Valencia's good start to the season was marred by claims that they hadn't played good sides yet, but tonight they will finally get the chance to prove that they have what it takes to beat the best.

Unai Emery leads his team to the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán this evening,  and speaking to Marca today the coach said he was under no illusions that it will be a tough contest.

"It will be a difficult game, since they are a side who have been in the upper levels for a while now. We will have to play very well if we are to win," he mused.

"I believe that my team are qualified though and that we will need the maximum motivation to beat them. Without being a crucial game the outcome of the match will be important."

If they are to win they will certainly have to play better than they have done in their last two matches at the Mestalla, both performances resulting in home defeats to lower table opponents. But as the former Almería coach spoke today, he had nothing but confidence in his side.

"We always play to win, and although we have lost twice and that hurts, we want to change things," he declared.

"The game is an important stepping-stone and the mentality is always to win. I always say that we have to do 70% and the other 30% is for the opponents to do."

Aside from the game Emery also spoke about goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand, who is currently in Germany whilst he recovers from injury, and is expected to leave the club in January.

"We will welcome him with open arms if he wants to come back," said Emery.

"If he goes in the transfer window then he will be sought and he will be looking at alternatives."

James Walker-Roberts