Sevilla vs Levante preview - Manzano demands more

Posted Saturday, January 22, 2011 by PA

Sevilla coach Gregorio Manzano has urged his mid-table side to raise their game in the second half of the Primera Division season - starting against second-bottom Levante.

The Andalusians face Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-finals but have failed to show up on too many occasions in La Liga.

However, Manzano hopes his side can put that right in 2011.

"The second half of the championship is about to start and there will be no third part to correct mistakes," he said.

"We have a hugely important game against Levante and we have to be aware that, before the semi-final against Madrid, we have a big league game."

Sevilla, who lost at home to Espanyol last weekend and are now down in 10th place, have been boosted by the return of defender Sergio Sanchez, who played in the 3-0 midweek cup win against Villarreal.

Sanchez had been out for over a year due to a heart condition, but came through with no problems and could feature again this weekend.

Andres Palop, Federico Fazio and Ivica Dragutinovic are also in contention after returning to fitness this week.

Sevilla have won just two of their last eight league games, but Levante have been in even worse form - losing their last four matches.

That poor run has seen the Valencia-based outfit drop back into the relegation zone at the league's halfway stage.

Nevertheless, midfielder Xisco Nadal believes they will survive.

"We have the quality to stay up and I believe we will be in the Primera Division next season," he said.

Sergio Gonzalez and Nano miss out through injury, but Hector Rodas is back following a long spell on the sidelines and striker Wellington - recently signed on loan from Arsenal - could make his debut.

Coach Luis Garcia starts a two-match ban and will be forced to watch the game from the stands.