Sevilla coach Unai Emery has defended Alberto Moreno after the Liverpool left-back endured a torrid second half during Wednesday s Europa League final.
Emery s men made history by winning the trophy for a third successive year with a stunning 3-1 comeback win at Basle s St Jacob-Park – all the Liga side s goals coming after half-time after Daniel Sturridge put Liverpool in front.
Playing against his former club, Moreno was culpable for Kevin Gameiro s equaliser 17 seconds after the restart and he failed to recover his poise as Coke hit a brace for the rampant defending champions.
Emery coached Moreno as Sevilla began their Europa-League treble in 2014 before the full-back moved to Liverpool, and he praised the 23-year-old s form this season.
Alberto Moreno is playing a great season for Liverpool, Emery told reporters.
And what I have seen is he is playing at a level that he can go back to the Spanish national team.
I always see the glass half-full because he has a great offensive ability and I see him as a great offensive player rather than being a poor defender.
Emery also took time to bask in his decision to switch Coke from right-back to an advanced attacking role – one that paid handsome dividends.
Everyone here, raise your hand if you haven t criticised [Sevilla right-back] Mariano and Coke swapping, he said.
Thank God I don t listen or pay attention to what s said out of the club because otherwise I wouldn t have done it and eventually it worked out pretty well.
Sevilla will try to complete a memorable week by tackling the tall order of Liga champions Barcelona in Sunday s Copa del Rey final.
Emery added: Now have another final versus Barcelona on Sunday which is really exciting and we are very motivated.
Many people [supporters] that couldn t be here are looking forward to this final. It ll be a huge challenge it s Barcelona.
