Michel satisfied despite Rayo draw

Sevilla Coach Michel Gonzalez insists he is satisfied with his players’ efforts despite two missed penalties against 10-man Rayo Vallecano.

Alvaro Negredo and Ivan Rakitic both missed spot-kicks in the match, whilst their opponents played out the final 20 minutes with 10 men, after Rayo ‘keeper Ruben Martinez was dismissed in conceding the second penalty.

“Sometimes these things happen, but we have controlled the game against a rival who we dominated in all facets,” began the former Real Madrid mainstay in his Press conference following the 0-0 at the Campo de Futbol de Vallecas.

“My team had discipline and aggressiveness to avoid the problems that Rayo had created for other opponents

“The players showed persistence and determination, whilst the penalties are issues that affect the result, but do not indicate the feeling of the game.

“It is a problem to define, because sometimes we missed the final shot, other times we missed the final pass.

“Otherwise we were in excellent condition because we did not suffer defensively, even though Rayo will always create chances for the speed they play at.”

The 49-year-old tactician touched on the health of his playing squad, in particular Bosnian defender Emir Spahic who collided midway through the second half with his teammate Alberto Botia.

“There are a few concerns with [Jesus] Navas and [Alvaro] Negredo, but what concerns us most is Spahic. He took a knock to the head and we don’t know how he is.

“The doctor will examine him fully, but we are concerned because it was a knock between his cheekbone and eye, and that is always dangerous.”

Spahic has since been revealed by the club doctor to have seemingly fully recovered from the knock.

In conclusion Michel complimented his opponents, who are a ‘very good team’ with the ‘credit going to their Coach’.

“Their willingness to play and try to combine is very strong, they already have seven points on the board and nobody will find it easy to beat them this year.”

Tags Michel Negredo Rakitic
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