Unai Emery Calls for Perfect Sevilla
Unai Emery expects a tight final between Sevilla and Liverpool as his side aims to win an historic third consecutive Europa League title.
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Sevilla will need a "perfect" performance to overcome Liverpool and win a third successive Europa League title, according to coach Unai Emery.
The Liga side is in familiar territory, having won the competition four times, starting with its maiden triumph in 2005-06 when the tournament was known as the UEFA Cup.
Emery's men would make history if they continue their sequence of success at Basel's St Jakob-Park, coming off a penalty shootout win over Benfica in 2014 and last year's thrilling 3-2 victory against Dnipro.
Liverpool boasts considerable European pedigree as a club and enters the final in prime form, having dispatched tournament favorite Borussia Dortmund before a convincing semifinal showing against Villarreal.
"To beat Liverpool, we need to be perfect," Emery said. "When Sevilla are focused we do not fail.
"Liverpool are among the 10 best teams in the world. They are pure football, real football, they have a great history - they have won five European Cups, won the UEFA Cup and leagues in England.
"I think the tie is at 50 percent. Half for them because of their history and a good moment beating really important teams in Europe. And the other 50 percent for us because we are the current champions and we will fight to keep the title."
Emery and Klopp both cut animated figures on the touchline and the Sevilla boss revealed the two men have jokingly discussed a potential touchline clash during Wednesday's fixture.
"I spoke to Klopp and asked if we were going to fight - and then we were shadow boxing," Emery added. "He punched me and I returned it stronger. He is stronger and taller than me, maybe prettier as well.
"We will fight tomorrow at the pitch but I guess everyone will enjoy a great day in the stands."