Sevilla sporting director Monchi has defended the manner of Julen Lopetegui's dismissal.

Lopetegui was sacked after their Champions League defeat to Borussia Dortmund, though it was clear he would be removed and replaced by Jorge Sampaoli regardless of the result.

Monchi said, “Everything has been done at Sevilla with the utmost respect. I saw a press conference after the game and in yesterday's event, everything Julen said was positive.

"What I did on Wednesday, I did because I thought it was fair to Lopetegui. We believed that he deserved the recognition of having one last game and I also believed that it was fair to go out on the pitch with Julen at the end. Because he is a friend who has made me happy. I've always done it and I'm not going to change.

“For many years I have gone to the stands as just another fan. If anyone thinks I'm not going to keep going down to the pitch, they're wasting their time. Unless the president or security forbids it. Because I think the contact with the players and the fans is good. There are times when things go wrong and everything is wrong. I have to be true to myself, it's not about having an ego or having created a character."