Valladolid vs Sevilla preview - Martinez keeps his cool

Posted Saturday, October 19, 2013 by PA

Real Valladolid coach Juan Ignacio Martinez insisted there will be no sense of panic among his players as they attempt to end a poor run of results against Sevilla on Sunday.

Valladolid are fourth from bottom of the Primera Division table after a run of five games without a win.

Martinez said on realvalladolid.es: "This is an important game, but the team will not be dominated by anxiety. There is still a lot of competition ahead, it's not an emergency game.

"Yes it is a game that can be used to break a bad sequence of results and reconnect with how to win.

"Against us is a tough team, a group that has lost important players but has reinforced well. We'll have to pay special attention to their transitions from defence to attack.

"The key is to be consistent at home, where we can achieve much of our goal at the end of the season."

Valladolid will be without injured quartet Heinz Barmettler, Humberto Osorio, Victor Perez and Oscar.

Sevilla failed to win any of their first five games but they have turned things around with two wins and a draw since then.

Last time out an injury-time goal from captain Ivan Rakitic earned them victory over bottom side Almeria.

The Croatian, who is an injury doubt for Sunday's match, told SFC Radio: "To score a goal like that in the last minute is something that is for all Sevilla.

"It's a feeling you cannot explain and you just want to embrace everyone and scream."