Elche vs Sevilla preview - Emery: Reyes has more to offer

Posted Saturday, October 18, 2014 by PA

Sevilla coach Unai Emery believes Jose Antonio Reyes still has a lot to give to his side, although admitting he is asking "more" of the former Arsenal forward.

A muscle injury to forward Vitolo has opened up an opportunity for Reyes, Sevilla's vice-captain, to have a run in the team for the next month.

The 31-year-old has made just one league start and one appearance off the bench this season, but his coach insists he is still a vital member of the squad.

Emery told reporters: "He is another member of the squad who is working to help the team. We are trying to straighten out his weaknesses to improve him and put his virtues to the team's aid. I count on him, I'm happy with him, but we have to demand more of him.

"Reyes needs to be an important player for us whether he is starting or coming off the bench. After all, he is the second captain after (Fernando) Navarro."

Despite the injury to Vitolo, Emery did not confirm whether Reyes would face Elche on Sunday.

"His performances are going to be important for us, I'm not sure whether on Sunday, but certainly throughout the season."

Kevin Gameiro and Cristoforo have returned to training following injuries but Emery could not confirm whether they would be ready for the trip to the Martinez Valero stadium, where Sevilla are looking to maintain their fine start to the season and hold onto third place.

Emery refused to be drawn on what his team could achieve this season, simply declaring: "All we are thinking about is that if we win on Sunday no-one can take third place from us. Our aim is to win on Sunday."

On Sunday Sevilla face an Elche side one point above the relegation zone and still searching for a first home win of the season.

Forward Cristian Herrera has called on his team to improve their home form, one of the factors that helped them achieve survival last season.

"We need to be strong at the Martinez Valero as we were last season, not just so we can get our first home win of the season, but so that we can stay up," he said.

"Sevilla are a great team but we can beat them because we are playing at home and that gives us a boost."

Elche will be without suspended forward Jonathan de Jesus, who was sent off after assisting and scoring the goals in the 2-2 draw with Almeria before the international break, while Aaron Niguez is a doubt owing to a muscle strain.