“They are the best, the table says so" - Sevilla manager lauds Barcelona ahead of LaLiga clash
Sevilla manager Garcia Pimienta has hailed Barcelona as the best team in the league as they prepare to face off in LaLiga on Sunday, October 20. The league leaders are aiming to maintain their place at the summit of the league standings when they host Sevilla at Montjuic.
Barcelona have begun the league season in stunning fashion, winning eight of their opening nine league games. They hold a three-point advantage at the summit of the standings over rivals Real Madrid. La Blaugrana have shown a marked improvement since German manager Hansi Flick arrived in the summer after a disappointing trophyless 2023-24 season.
A former Barcelona player and coach, Pimienta left Las Palmas for Sevilla after leading the Canary Island-based club in the 2023-24 season. He was in charge of Barca B between 2018 and 2021, having made one senior appearance for the club as a player. The Spanish manager praised his former side for their impressive start to the season, declaring them as the best team in the league.
He said via Barca Universal:
“They are the best, the table says so. They are stronger with the ball, but they have been playing in a certain way for many years.”
Sevilla are 12th in LaLiga after overcoming a difficult start to the campaign which saw them pick up two points from their first four games. They have lost just once in five games since then, winning three games and drawing another one.
Sevilla will face the league leaders with the hopes of emulating Osasuna, who are the only side to take points off Hansi Flick's side this season. Barcelona lost to Osasuna 4-2 with a heavily rotated squad on September 28, their only league setback this season. La Blaugrana are firm favorites to pick up all three points from the encounter on Sunday.
Midfield duo set to return for Barcelona against Sevilla - Reports
Barcelona are set to welcome back midfielders Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez following injuries as they prepare to face Sevilla on Sunday. The pair of attacking midfielders have been out injured for over a month this season.
Olmo scored in each of his first three appearances for the club before picking up an injury in the 4-1 win against Girona in September. The former RB Leipzig man returned to full training this week as the side continues to prepare to face Sevilla in the league.
Spain international Fermin Lopez has also returned to training, having been out since early September with an injury. The 21-year-old midfielder has appeared just thrice in LaLiga this season and is set to make his return against Sevilla.