Sevilla boss wary of Barcelona’s threat beyond key superstars – ‘There’s a team behind them’ | OneFootball

Sevilla manager Matias Almeyda spoke to the press ahead of his team’s clash against Barcelona on Sunday at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

With Barça in strong form and Lamine Yamal stealing headlines this season, Almeyda was asked about how his side plans to deal with the 18-year-old star.

The Argentine coach made it clear that focusing on just one Barcelona player would be a mistake.

“If I were to focus on just one player, it would be a grave mistake. Barcelona has 20 good players.

“There’s a function that goes beyond the technical qualities of each player, and that’s what we have to stop.”

He highlighted the overall quality of the Catalan squad rather than putting the spotlight only on Yamal.

“We can’t focus on just one player. Pedri and Lamine don’t play alone; there’s a team behind them,” Almeyda explained.

Sevilla’s struggles and Almeyda’s approach

Matias Almeyda hopes he can beat Barcelona. (Photo by Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images)

Sevilla have not yet won a home game this season, a worrying sign as they prepare to host one of Europe’s most dangerous sides.

However, Almeyda insisted his team must remain united and look at the bigger picture. When asked how he plans to beat Barcelona, Almeyda responded,

“We’ve struggled to win two games in a row so far, although we’ve put together some good results in that time. The fans are always the same, always strong.

“We hope to be up to the task and repay them for the constant support they have for us. The fans are intelligent, and giving their all, in the long run, leads to a good final result.”

Despite admitting the gap between the two clubs, Almeyda insisted Sevilla will fight until the end,

“I try to be consistent with what I say and what I do. The realities of Barcelona and us are different, but this is XI against XI. It’s difficult, but not impossible.

“This opponent is ready to fight for the Champions League. Our reality is different, but we’ll try to fight from there,” he noted.

Source: AS