Frederic Kanoute: Former Sevilla striker praises ‘amazing’ Unai Emery

Frederic Kanoute knows how to win European competitions.

The Mali international won back-to-back UEFA Cup trophies with Sevilla between 2006-2007 and has wonderful memories of that “amazing” time.

In 2009 the UEFA Cup was rebranded as the Europa League and Kanoute believes his former side can once again win the tournament this season though he knows Sevilla faces strong competition, notably from English Premier League club Arsenal.

Kanoute says his dream final would involve Sevilla reuniting with “top coach” Unai Emery – now manager of Arsenal.

Emery won three successive Europa League trophies during three years in Seville and has recovered well from a difficult start at the Emirates.

Arsenal lost their first two Premier League games, but then won the next seven and are just two points behind leaders Manchester City. In all competitions, Arsenal have won 11 consecutive games.

Their latest win was a 1-0 victory against Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League on Thursday, sending Emery’s team three points clear of the Portuguese side in Group E.

“With his experience personally and the experience of Sevilla as a club in the Europa League, it would be a fun and interesting final,” Kanoute recently told CNN Sport of the possibility of Arsenal and Sevilla facing each other at the conclusion of the competition.

Frederic Kanoute won back-to-back UEFA Cup trophies with Sevilla.

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The Spaniard took charge of Sevilla the season after Kanoute left for Chinese outfit Beijing Guoan but the forward knows first-hand just how good a coach he is.

“I was visiting my ex-teammates when I had retired and I saw the way he was coaching. His passion, his dedication, it’s really, really amazing. The way he is coaching his team, he is really passionate about the game.”

Unai Emery has seemingly turned a corner at Arsenal this season.

Spurs win ‘special’

But when reflecting on his own glittering career, it’s not just the successive European titles that stand out for Kanoute.

Before moving to Spain, he played in the English Premier League for both West Ham and Tottenham.

The forward’s time in England was mixed and he struggled at White Hart Lane before moving away in 2005.

He returned two years later in the Europa League with Sevilla and put a few demons to rest.

“I mean it’s a fantastic club [Tottenham] and for me it was a personal challenge. I scored in both games, home and away, and we kicked them out,” he told CNN.

“I loved Tottenham but it was like a personal thing. I really enjoyed both games so it was a special moment.”

Beating former club Tottenham is one of Kanoute's most special European memories.

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Sevilla fans on ‘another level’

Kanoute scored 136 goals in 290 appearances for Sevilla. The seven years spent in La Liga was the longest time he served at a club and he says the fans played a big part in his experience.

“It’s just amazing. The chanting, singing, 90 minutes they are pushing you, traveling with you all the time. It’s just a completely different experience.”

It’s the derby games against bitter rivals Real Betis that really stand out in the Kanoute’s memory.

Borussia Dortmund —

Borussia's Dortmund's Westfalenstadion Stadium is known for its "Yellow Wall." The south stand is packed full of impassioned fans who together create one of the most spell-binding sights in football. Dressed in the team's yellow and black, supporters create an intimidating atmosphere for the opposition.

Liverpool —

There is something special about Anfield on a European night and the stadium's Spion Kop seems to drag the ball into the goal when Liverpool are attacking that end. Fans also sing the stirring "You'll Never Walk Alone" before every match to create a spine-tingling spectacle.

Galatasaray —

The Turk Telekom Stadium is home to Turkish giants Galatasaray. The fans here don't just wait for the big games to create an atmosphere. The stadium -- which is the second biggest in the country with a capacity of 52,223 -- is always awash with flags, scarves and flares.

Napoli —

The Stadio San Paolo has one of the most raucous atmospheres in Serie A. Large flags and constant singing are common place in Naples, making this iconic stadium rock during home matches.

Roma —

The Stadio Olimpico in Rome is a gladiatorial like venue. With a capacity of 72,698, the stadium is home to both Roma and Lazio. The fiery atmosphere is magnified by the traditional surroundings which helps produce a caldron of noise.

Sevilla —

With a capacity of 43,883, the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan cannot compare to the size of some stadiums in La Liga but its atmosphere can. The home fans are a big factor behind Sevilla's impressive home-record. The team went over a year without a loss at home in 2017.

Boca Juniors —

La Bombonera is the home to Argentine side Boca Juniors. The fans are at most vocal for the Buenos Aires derby against River Plate where both sets of supporters combine to make a carnival like atmosphere. It may only have capacity of 49,000, but the tight surroundings make for an electric wall of noise.

Red Star Belgrade —

The Rajko Mitic Stadium in Serbia can be one of the most intimidating places to play football. Fans create huge banners in support of the team and frequently use pyrotechnics to intimidate the opposition.

Football stadiums with a reputation for atmosphere

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“It’s just another atmosphere, another ambiance in the stadium. If these two meet in the Europa League it would be crazy.”

“I remember even before the derby against Betis it was crazy. We were preparing for the game two weeks before, sometimes going on camp the week before to prepare.”

“I remember we were coming back from the camp, playing at home. The fans were waiting for us and blocking the bus from 10 kilometers before arriving at the stadium, just to encourage us.”

On Thursday, Sevilla beat Akhisarspor 6-0 and top Group J on goal difference.