According to captain Jesús Navas, Sevilla should extend the contract of successful coach José Luis Mendilibar. The Spanish coach, whose contract expires this summer, achieved great success on Wednesday evening by securing Sevilla's seventh Europa League triumph in history.
After the penalty shootout victory over AS Roma in the final, 37-year-old Navas, who started the match, reflected on this remarkable season for Sevilla. "It's truly amazing. We have suffered a lot in the past year, but ultimately, we have succeeded. Everything seemed to go wrong, but the team stood up and overcame everything. Sevilla is great."
Trainer Mendilibar played a significant role in this resurgence. He was appointed as the successor to the dismissed Jorge Sampaoli in March. Mendilibar comfortably kept Sevilla in La Liga and secured the Europa League title. "I believe everything has been said about him. He transformed us and brought out the best in us. He deserves to be with us for much longer. Otherwise, I will be angry."
This sentiment is shared by teammate Suso. "Mendilibar brought us more calmness and simplicity. He knew how to organize everything. He deserves to coach this Sevilla team in the Champions League. All the credit goes to him. It fits me very well. He is a very simple and genuine man. That's what I like."
Mendilibar himself was overjoyed after winning the final. "I still can't believe it, but we have received the trophy and they gave us the medal. It will take a while for me to get used to it. I feel at home here. It's wonderful to work with these guys. It would be crazy if I didn't want to continue. But I don't know if that will be offered to me."
