Players
have come and gone over the years, while fortunes have varied in other
competitions, but the Andalusians are still dominating the continent's
second-tier tournament. And not even Barcelona have managed five finals
in Europe over the past decade.
Against Sevilla, Liverpool capitulated as soon as the Liga side equalised following Daniel Sturridge’s wondrous outside-of-the-left-foot opener. It was 17 seconds into the second half when the champions struck, and the Reds never recovered.
“It was obvious the first goal of Sevilla had a big influence on our own game,” said Klopp.
“In this moment we lost faith in our style of play. We changed
from passing simply and quickly, to complicated. We lost our formation,
so it was not compact anymore.
“The reaction was the problem,” admitted Klopp. “We all have to learn to react better in situations like this.
“We need to use the experience because I am sure we will be in a final again and we will have decisive moments again.
“And if we have decisive moments then we have to react better, all of us.”
Winners in 2006 and 2007, with Juande Ramos in charge, of what was then still the Uefa Cup, Sevilla have added two more titles to their collection over the past two seasons under Unai Emery. And on Wednesday night in Basel, they won it for a third straight season.
The competition kicked off back in 1972 with Tottenham as the first team to claim the trophy. Since then, sides like Juventus, Inter and Liverpool (all three), Real Madrid (two), Bayern Munich, Napoli and Chelsea (one each) have all won it. But none as many times as Sevilla.
Although easier to win these days than
back in the 1980s when only one team from each country went into the
European Cup and the Uefa Cup was often harder than its big brother,
Sevilla's achievements are nevertheless remarkable
In 2006, Sevilla claimed the first European trophy in their history by thrashing Middlesbrough 4-0 in Eindhoven thanks to goals by Enzo Maresca (two), Luis Fabiano and Frederic Kanoute. And the following season, Ramos's side edged out Espanyol on penalties after a 1-1 draw (2-2 after extra-time).
Antonio Puerta, who collapsed against Getafe in a Liga game and tragically died in hospital in August of that year, scored the winning penalty for Sevilla in Glasgow. And understandably, the team took time to recover from his passing; Ramos left for Tottenham and in the summer of 2008, Dani Alves joined Barcelona.
A full seven
years went by before Sevilla made it back to a European final, but they
made it count by beating Benfica on penalties after a goalless game at
the Juventus Stadium in Turin at the end of the 2013-14 season. Sevilla
scored all four of their spot-kicks to win 4-2 in the shootout and Ivan
Rakitic was named Man of the Match. That summer, the Croat moved to
Barcelona.
Despite losing their best player Sevilla returned to the final last season and won it again - this time with an impressive 3-2 victory over Ukrainians Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk (who had been coached the previous year by former Sevilla boss Ramos). And in the final, Carlos Bacca scored twice - including the 73rd minute winner.
Bacca was subsequently sold to AC Milan, but in his absence Kevin Gameiro has stepped up with goals and Sevilla also signed Yevhen Konoplyanka from Dnipro in the summer. And after dropping out of the Champions League, the Andalusians made it to the final of the Europa League once again this time around.
Following four consecutive defeats, Sevilla qualified for the Europa League thanks to a 1-0 win over Juventus in their last Champions League group game, edging out Borussia Monchengladbach by a single point to claim third place in the sector. And they advanced to Wednesday's showpiece by beating Molde, Basel (including an away match at the scene of the final which ended 0-0), Athletic Bilbao and Shakhtar Donetsk - each over two legs.
Whatever Emery may say or have said, Sevilla have shown that they don't just go out in these finals to enjoy themselves, but to take home the coveted trophy as well at the end of the night, this they have done back to back in the last three seasons.
In May 2015, Liverpool had closed off the season and the service of one of their greatest-ever players in utter embarrassment. Steven Gerrard’s final game for the club was a 6-1 hammering at the hands of Stoke at the Britannia Stadium.
Fast forward a year, and while another campaign ends in disappointment, at least it came in a European showpiece - the Reds have the consolation of having swatted away Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund and Villarreal before a 3-1 defeat to Sevilla in Basel.
The progress of the team over the past 12 months, and more accurately in the seven since Jurgen Klopp succeeded Brendan Rodgers as manager, is unquestionable. It must only be the starting point though.
Another year on, when Liverpool reflect on 2016-17, the Reds will need to ensure there is triumph and not tears heading into the summer. They need to make sure 'almost' morphs into 'achieved'.
Next season will be Klopp’s first full term at the helm, and his reconstruction will properly take shape. A sizeable chunk of the German’s makeover will come in the market, with the manager admitting after the Europa League final: “This team will be a little bit different next year, that’s clear. We will do something with transfers, that’s clear.”
Bayern Munich’s Mario Gotze, who Klopp promoted while at Borussia Dortmund, is a primary target. Mainz goalkeeper Loris Karius is on Klopp’s shortlist, as is Germany starlet Mahmoud Dahoud. Poland midfielder Piotr Zielinski has already revealed his desire to move to Merseyside, while Leicester's Ben Chilwell has told the Premier League champions Anfield is his destination of choice.
Centre-back Joel Matip and 19-year-old Marko Grujic were secured for the new season in January, while several players will be heading for the Melwood exit soon. Joe Allen is expected to leave in search for regular game-time, while 35-year-old Kolo Toure could be offered a different role at the club as he considers whether to call time on his playing career.
Fellow centre-back Martin Skrtel’s standing at the club has dropped considerably and the Slovakian seemed to be engaging in goodbyes at West Brom on Sunday.
Back-up goalkeeper Adam Bogdan will be axed, while Danny Ward is set to be loaned to Huddersfield as he builds up experience between the sticks. Jose Enrique has already been let go and there are question marks over Mamadou Sakho, who faces a lengthy suspension from UEFA for an anti-doping violation.
Tiago Ilori will be looking for a new club, while Brad Smith must decide whether he wants to be a squad player or start elsewhere. Lucas, Liverpool’s longest-serving player, could be offered the chance to stay in a bit-part capacity
Joao Teixeira will leave and Christian Benteke should command a few offers, even though the Reds will take a financial hit on his sale. Mario Balotelli will be moved off the books and there are doubts over the future of Jordon Ibe and Lazar Markovic.
Klopp has a good spine to work with, which needs a sprinkling
of stardust, and he’ll also have the services of Danny Ings and Joe
Gomez to call upon. The manager, importantly, will be able to shape his
side during a full pre-season, which he has identified as the most
crucial period in any campaign.
A favourite refrain of his - “there is no secret except hard work” - will be put into practice during rigorous sessions, which will sometimes number three a day. The former BVB boss wants his team fully conditioned to deal with the demands of an intense Premier League season, and while defeat at St Jakob-Park was disheartening, Liverpool will have no continental commitments next season as they target mass domestic improvement.
For Liverpool, Wednesday was not a failure but merely a lesson. The real examination begins next season when Klopp has greater tools to tattoo his ideals on the team.
FOLLOW US
Twitter:@bizarre_comms
Facebook: Bizarre Communications
Email: bizarrecommunications@gmail.com
Against Sevilla, Liverpool capitulated as soon as the Liga side equalised following Daniel Sturridge’s wondrous outside-of-the-left-foot opener. It was 17 seconds into the second half when the champions struck, and the Reds never recovered.
“It was obvious the first goal of Sevilla had a big influence on our own game,” said Klopp.
“In this moment we lost faith in our style of play. We changed
from passing simply and quickly, to complicated. We lost our formation,
so it was not compact anymore.“The reaction was the problem,” admitted Klopp. “We all have to learn to react better in situations like this.
“We need to use the experience because I am sure we will be in a final again and we will have decisive moments again.
“And if we have decisive moments then we have to react better, all of us.”
Winners in 2006 and 2007, with Juande Ramos in charge, of what was then still the Uefa Cup, Sevilla have added two more titles to their collection over the past two seasons under Unai Emery. And on Wednesday night in Basel, they won it for a third straight season.
The competition kicked off back in 1972 with Tottenham as the first team to claim the trophy. Since then, sides like Juventus, Inter and Liverpool (all three), Real Madrid (two), Bayern Munich, Napoli and Chelsea (one each) have all won it. But none as many times as Sevilla.
Although easier to win these days than
back in the 1980s when only one team from each country went into the
European Cup and the Uefa Cup was often harder than its big brother,
Sevilla's achievements are nevertheless remarkable In 2006, Sevilla claimed the first European trophy in their history by thrashing Middlesbrough 4-0 in Eindhoven thanks to goals by Enzo Maresca (two), Luis Fabiano and Frederic Kanoute. And the following season, Ramos's side edged out Espanyol on penalties after a 1-1 draw (2-2 after extra-time).
Antonio Puerta, who collapsed against Getafe in a Liga game and tragically died in hospital in August of that year, scored the winning penalty for Sevilla in Glasgow. And understandably, the team took time to recover from his passing; Ramos left for Tottenham and in the summer of 2008, Dani Alves joined Barcelona.
A full seven
years went by before Sevilla made it back to a European final, but they
made it count by beating Benfica on penalties after a goalless game at
the Juventus Stadium in Turin at the end of the 2013-14 season. Sevilla
scored all four of their spot-kicks to win 4-2 in the shootout and Ivan
Rakitic was named Man of the Match. That summer, the Croat moved to
Barcelona.Despite losing their best player Sevilla returned to the final last season and won it again - this time with an impressive 3-2 victory over Ukrainians Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk (who had been coached the previous year by former Sevilla boss Ramos). And in the final, Carlos Bacca scored twice - including the 73rd minute winner.
Bacca was subsequently sold to AC Milan, but in his absence Kevin Gameiro has stepped up with goals and Sevilla also signed Yevhen Konoplyanka from Dnipro in the summer. And after dropping out of the Champions League, the Andalusians made it to the final of the Europa League once again this time around.
Following four consecutive defeats, Sevilla qualified for the Europa League thanks to a 1-0 win over Juventus in their last Champions League group game, edging out Borussia Monchengladbach by a single point to claim third place in the sector. And they advanced to Wednesday's showpiece by beating Molde, Basel (including an away match at the scene of the final which ended 0-0), Athletic Bilbao and Shakhtar Donetsk - each over two legs.
"I think all Sevilla fans feel something
special for this competition because it has given us a lot," Emery said
after his side sealed their place in the final.
And he added: "Liverpool are going to make it a very demanding final. Liverpool are aiming to win this competition for many reasons: it is a trophy, it gives you access to Champions League, and they are historic team. That's why I think it is going to be a fabulous final, very even and we should enjoy it."
And he added: "Liverpool are going to make it a very demanding final. Liverpool are aiming to win this competition for many reasons: it is a trophy, it gives you access to Champions League, and they are historic team. That's why I think it is going to be a fabulous final, very even and we should enjoy it."
Whatever Emery may say or have said, Sevilla have shown that they don't just go out in these finals to enjoy themselves, but to take home the coveted trophy as well at the end of the night, this they have done back to back in the last three seasons.
In May 2015, Liverpool had closed off the season and the service of one of their greatest-ever players in utter embarrassment. Steven Gerrard’s final game for the club was a 6-1 hammering at the hands of Stoke at the Britannia Stadium.
Fast forward a year, and while another campaign ends in disappointment, at least it came in a European showpiece - the Reds have the consolation of having swatted away Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund and Villarreal before a 3-1 defeat to Sevilla in Basel.
The progress of the team over the past 12 months, and more accurately in the seven since Jurgen Klopp succeeded Brendan Rodgers as manager, is unquestionable. It must only be the starting point though.
Another year on, when Liverpool reflect on 2016-17, the Reds will need to ensure there is triumph and not tears heading into the summer. They need to make sure 'almost' morphs into 'achieved'.
Next season will be Klopp’s first full term at the helm, and his reconstruction will properly take shape. A sizeable chunk of the German’s makeover will come in the market, with the manager admitting after the Europa League final: “This team will be a little bit different next year, that’s clear. We will do something with transfers, that’s clear.”
Bayern Munich’s Mario Gotze, who Klopp promoted while at Borussia Dortmund, is a primary target. Mainz goalkeeper Loris Karius is on Klopp’s shortlist, as is Germany starlet Mahmoud Dahoud. Poland midfielder Piotr Zielinski has already revealed his desire to move to Merseyside, while Leicester's Ben Chilwell has told the Premier League champions Anfield is his destination of choice.Centre-back Joel Matip and 19-year-old Marko Grujic were secured for the new season in January, while several players will be heading for the Melwood exit soon. Joe Allen is expected to leave in search for regular game-time, while 35-year-old Kolo Toure could be offered a different role at the club as he considers whether to call time on his playing career.
Fellow centre-back Martin Skrtel’s standing at the club has dropped considerably and the Slovakian seemed to be engaging in goodbyes at West Brom on Sunday.
Back-up goalkeeper Adam Bogdan will be axed, while Danny Ward is set to be loaned to Huddersfield as he builds up experience between the sticks. Jose Enrique has already been let go and there are question marks over Mamadou Sakho, who faces a lengthy suspension from UEFA for an anti-doping violation.
Tiago Ilori will be looking for a new club, while Brad Smith must decide whether he wants to be a squad player or start elsewhere. Lucas, Liverpool’s longest-serving player, could be offered the chance to stay in a bit-part capacity
Joao Teixeira will leave and Christian Benteke should command a few offers, even though the Reds will take a financial hit on his sale. Mario Balotelli will be moved off the books and there are doubts over the future of Jordon Ibe and Lazar Markovic.
Klopp has a good spine to work with, which needs a sprinkling
of stardust, and he’ll also have the services of Danny Ings and Joe
Gomez to call upon. The manager, importantly, will be able to shape his
side during a full pre-season, which he has identified as the most
crucial period in any campaign.A favourite refrain of his - “there is no secret except hard work” - will be put into practice during rigorous sessions, which will sometimes number three a day. The former BVB boss wants his team fully conditioned to deal with the demands of an intense Premier League season, and while defeat at St Jakob-Park was disheartening, Liverpool will have no continental commitments next season as they target mass domestic improvement.
For Liverpool, Wednesday was not a failure but merely a lesson. The real examination begins next season when Klopp has greater tools to tattoo his ideals on the team.
FOLLOW US
Twitter:@bizarre_comms
Facebook: Bizarre Communications
Email: bizarrecommunications@gmail.com
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