Sevilla chief José Castro has admitted they “made a mistake” not sacking Julen Lopetegui sooner, even with him now shining at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Castro was speaking in the mixed zone following the superb 3-0 win over Manchester United in the Europa League quarter finals last night.
That result means they are on course to continue their domination of the competition, which they have enjoyed great success in over the last two decades.
Reaching the semi-final of a European competition this season looked unlikely for them after a difficult season that has seen three managers in charge of the side at various points.
The Spanish side hired Jorge Sampaoli as his replacement, but he was sacked at the end of March as Sevilla moved closer to the relegation zone following a tumultuous few months in charge.
They’ve improved under Luis Mendilibar and now find themselves one step away from the Europa League final and Castro admits they made a mistake in not sacking the Wolves boss sooner.
“Well, this is football,” Estadio Deportivo report him saying.
“I have said it many times: we have to be very grateful to Julen Lopetegui for what he has given us, which is a lot.
“He gave us three consecutive Champions League tickets and a trophy, but it’s true that he ran out of steam and that’s where we made a mistake with him.”
