Emery enjoys fruits of Sevilla's labour
Published: Thursday 15 May 2014, 1.12CET
Sevilla FC coach Unai Emery paid tribute to his side's "hard work and dedication" after they overcame SL Benfica on penalties to win the UEFA Europa League in Turin.
Unai Emery, Sevilla coach
Benfica were – like us – fitting finalists. The game was quite even for large parts, though towards the end they pushed quite hard. You could really see the tiredness out there, the physical niggles.
Benfica were – like us – fitting finalists. The game was quite even for large parts, though towards the end they pushed quite hard. You could really see the tiredness out there, the physical niggles.
If there is one thing we have learned how to do, it is to suffer. The players were prepared for this. I dedicate the win to my family and friends, the technical staff and the players who deserve this for their hard work and dedication.
Our team were united in difficult moments tonight. The great work of the goalkeeping staff was crucial, especially in Beto's case. We expected to have our chances – like the one that fell to Carlos Bacca – but we were ready for whatever came.
This is a competition that our fans love because we had won it two times before. We have worked really hard because we felt the responsibility to win. I'm not sure who were the better team, but both fought hard. I told the players not to have any doubts but I felt they were a little nervous with the score at 0-0. The game switched from being open to being extremely tight.
Sevilla hadn't played in European competition for two years so we wanted to do something special. We knew it was going to be hard but we were desperate to reach the final. It's wonderful to get to a final and win it. For me and the people who know me it has been a process in which I have learned a lot. Thanks to the club and the supporters, we are here today.
Jorge Jesus, Benfica coach It was a great final even though there were no goals. It was an open game. Sevilla started better but as the match progressed we improved and were the better team. We showed our power and had a number of opportunities to score but weren't able to.
In extra time the team that played with more belief ended up winning. The best team did not win the Europa League. I congratulate my players and there is nothing I can criticise. We leave with heads held high and there is no point dwelling on this. We have another final on Sunday.
There's no point hiding that we were without important players. I would have had more options after [Miralem] Sulejmani went off injured. All our changes were enforced, but the way the team responded was pleasing. In football, the best team does not always win. We have to be pragmatic, though, and keep our heads held high. It was an emotional experience that we need to shrug off in time for the next final in Lisbon. In the end Sevilla won so I offer them my congratulations
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