The key for Montella, Sevilla when they take on Man Utd
In 10 matches as the head of the club, the Italian has managed a respectable record of 5-3-2 (17 of a possible 30 points). In sixth place, they currently hold the final European position in La Liga – a Europa League playoff spot. His biggest accomplishment has been the 5:2 aggregate drubbing of Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals.
However, all has not been smooth under the former AC Milan manager. Sevilla has had a penchant for seeming to take nights off and give up unacceptable amounts of goals. Saturday’s 5:1 loss to Eibar (the team one point behind them in the table) was the latest example. During his La Liga debut – his second match in charge – Montella watched as Sevilla gave up a five-spot to Real Betis in a 5:3 loss.
When his club takes on Manchester United in the two-legged Champions League affair, it is incumbent upon Montella to have his club hyper-focused, as they were in both matches against Atletico Madrid. Anything less against the likes of Alexis, Pogba, Lukaku, and Mourinho, will make those five-spots look like child’s play.