Emery hopeful as Sevilla prepare for European Supercup

Sevilla coach Unai Emery hopes that this season brings his side better fortune when they take on the winners of the Champions League, FC Barcelona in the final of the European Supercup next Tuesday.

Last season saw Sevilla, who this year retained the Europa League title, lose the final 2-0 to Real Madrid and this time around Emery also believes his side are the underdogs.

He admitted his squad were "in better shape," than a year ago, but before flying out to Athens to play a friendly game to help prepare for Tuesday, he admitted Barca were "favorites," and "possibly the best side in the world."

He highlighted that Ever Banega had arrived "late" as a result of playing in the Copa America and that some of the "new signings still have not adapted fully to the squad."

Emery confirmed that defender Daniel Carrico would miss the final due to a muscle injury and that some players had been "hit by a bout of gastro-enteritis," although he expected them to be fit next week.

Despite the problems, Emery, who has also qualified Sevilla for this season's Champions League, admitted "there is nothing better than starting the season with a final. We have our ambitions and our hopes. We want to win another final and to avoid comparisons with last time," he said.

Finally Emery said he was "happy" with his squad, but with three weeks left in the transfer window, refused to rule out anyone leaving the club or any further arrivals, hinting that Sevilla were still looking to sign another striker, who could well be former Athletic Club and Juventus forward, Fernando Llorente. Endi