Rafa Benitez has warned the clash against Sevilla “will be a tough game”, despite the Andalusians having struggled to play good football so far this season.
Sevilla are far from being the side that impressed many winning the Europa League last season, but that doesn’t relieve Benitez: “They’re a very hard team to play against and just need to rediscover their form of the last few years. I’m hoping they don’t manage to do that in this match. It’ll be a tough game because in every department Sevilla are a top level side.”
Benitez confirmed Keylor Navas will rest again this weekend, as he’s still suffering from muscle fatigue: “We’re not taking any chances with him. We knew he had a muscle strain and that’s still the case, so we don’t want to risk it and make things worse. I have total faith in Kiko Casilla and we’d rather not take any chances.”
James Rodriguez revealed this week he has been recovered from his injury for the last 15 days and said he wanted to play. Asked whether the Colombian will finally make his return, the Los Blancos boss was not clear about it: “He’s been out injured for 55 days and I’m delighted that he’s itching to play again. He’s an important player for us, not just for two or three games but for the whole season.”
This match will be the last one before the crucial Clasico against Barcelona, but Benitez is not worried about that yet: “The biggest concern I have right now is preparing the team for the Sevilla clash. I’m not making any plans about the Clasico just yet. My only thoughts are on ensuring that we’re in the best possible shape to play in a difficult ground.”
Most people thought that with Messi’s injury, Barcelona will drop points. But their team has proved how solid añd effective they can be thank to the work and plans the coach puts in place. I was one of the people who wish the departure of Anceloti, but i have to admit that the team is still not convincing. Benitez has to do a better job to win La Liga.