Sevilla vs Malaga preview - Del Nido calls for unity

Posted Sunday, August 28, 2011 by PA

Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido called for unity after their European exit as they prepare to open their Primera Division campaign at home to big-spending Malaga on Sunday.

The Andalusians exited the Europa League after a 1-1 draw at home to Hannover saw them go out 3-2 on aggregate.

Not playing in continental competition represents a significant blow for Sevilla but Del Nido was quick to rally the supporters.

He said: "We can't lose confidence in the coaching staff and the squad. I think we have a good squad which is working hard.

"Regrets are worthless but we have to work out what happened as this is the second year in succession it has happened.

"The goal is still to qualify for the Champions League."

For that objective to become reality, Sevilla must finish in the top four in the Primera Division.

And with two of those spots almost certainly set to go to Barcelona and Real Madrid it leaves the rest scrapping for third and fourth positions.

That battle will be joined by Malaga this season.

Sheikh Abdallah Ben Nasser Al-Than, a member of the Qatari ruling family, is now the owner and he has shown his ambition with a summer recruitment programme which has included the likes of Spain playmaker Santi Cazorla, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Joaquin and Jeremy Toulalan.

Coach Manuel Pellegrini is aware of the pressure he is under but insists he will be happy if they can start this season in the same form in which they finished the last.

"The team finished last season at a level which certainly satisfied me with 20 points from 10 games," said the former Real Madrid boss.

"The number of goals we scored and the small number we conceded was good and we always played an attractive style of football."