Sevilla coach Jorge Sampaoli says he cannot wait to make a “dream” European debut against “superpower” Real Madrid in the in the UEFA Super Cup.
The two sides meet on Tuesday at the Lerkendal Stadion in Norway for what will be Sampaoli’s first match since succeeding Unai Emery in June.
And the 56-year-old says he is chomping at the bit to kick off a new chapter in his career.
“To make your debut in European football in a final against Real Madrid is a great responsibility,” said Sampaoli in the official UEFA Super Cup matchday programme.
“Playing a superpower like Real Madrid on this stage is a great challenge.”
A staunch Marcelo Bielsa disciple, Sampaoli’s exciting brand of attacking football led Universidad de Chile to three successive league titles and the Copa Sudamericana before he ended a 100-year wait for Chile’s first major title by claiming the 2015 Copa America.
And the Argentinian is intent on introducing the same style at reigning UEFA Europa League champions Sevilla.
“My footballing philosophy is that my team should utterly dominate games,” he said.
“My ambition is for Sevilla not to win by any means, but to lay down a style and a way of playing that means we don’t feel inferior to anyone.
“I want my team to focus more on the goal in front of them than the one behind them. The best form of defence is to play exciting football.”
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