Sevilla new boy Cicinho says him and Jesus Navas against Real Madrid's Marcelo and Ronaldo will be 'a great duel.'
The 26-year-old Brazilian is settling in well to life in Spain after his summer move from São Paulo outfit Palmeiras.
After starting in the home win against Getafe on the opening day of the campaign, and in the subsequent draws at Granada and Rayo Vallecano, Cicinho is now preparing for one of the biggest tests of his career to date when Madrid visit the Sanchez Pizjuan this Saturday.
“It's a match I've wanted to play in since I was a boy, against Real Madrid or Barcelona,” he told Diario de Sevilla.
“I think it's the hardest match, but also the best to play in. In games against smaller teams, you can start off more relaxed, confident that you will win. Against the stronger sides you are more focused right from the off.”
Cicinho occupies the same right-back berth in Seville as Danny Alves did in his day, and he believes the signs are there that he can form an equally good understanding down the right flank with Spanish international Jesús Navas. The duo will come up against the formidable Madrid left-side combo of Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo in what promises to be a cracking battle.
“When Jesús has the ball I run past him without looking because I know that, when he comes inside, he will give me the ball," he said.
“He is very intelligent. He is very good and I hope that Jesús and I develop a better understanding with every passing game and that we can form a very strong right flank.
“I've never played against Marcelo, he is a great player, very fast. Jesús against Marcelo and me against Ronaldo, it will be a great duel and I hope we win it.”
Cicinho, whose real name is Alex Sandro but who earned his moniker after scoring a goal at youth level reminiscent of a strike by the former Madrid full-back of the same name, also spoke of his relationship with Sevilla coach Míchel.
“Míchel showed faith in me, he brought me here and I plan to work hard to help Míchel and Sevilla.
“I work hard in order to play and Míchel is showing faith in me. I will dedicate myself fully to repaying that faith.”
