Mendilibar not surprised by Manchester United defeat

Sevilla will advance to the semifinals of the Europa League after their defeat over Manchester United in the second leg yesterday. This tournament is Sevilla manager Jose Luis Mendilibar’s first big European competition. After a 2-2 draw in the first leg at Old Trafford, Sevilla went on to win 3-0 in the second leg to advance on a 5-2 aggregate victory.

Mendilibar confident in his squad

Mendilibar was not surprised that his team was able to win, especially after they came to a draw in the first leg on a day in which they weren’t playing their best. That game gave them the confidence to know they could win in the second. What was a bit surprising was how easy that victory came to them.

“It’s surprising for us to win a game against Manchester United without struggling and with such forcefulness,” said Mendilibar. “It’s not easy.”

As for United, manager Erik ten Hag said there was no excuse, telling the press simply, “it’s unacceptable, we have to be better.” This was United’s sixth season in a row to be eliminated from the knockout round of a European tournament by a Spanish team.

“I think the squad should be very pleased with how they played these 90 minutes,” said Mendilibar. “I think we were better than Manchester United.”

“I think they believed in themselves and they looked good on the field,” he continued. “I think they did more than just score goals. I think the players deserved this.”

Sevilla will face Juventus in the Europa League semi-final clash in May.