Palop: Betis derby favourites

Sevilla goalkeeper Andres Palop has claimed that Real Betis are the favourites for this Sunday's Seville derby.

Betis have often lived in the shadow of their city rivals but go into the game at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan 4th, four points clear of 10th placed Sevilla.

“Going by the table, Betis are favourites,” the veteran shot-stopper told Marca. “Playing at home gives us a small advantage, but in  a derby favouritism is put to one side.”

Rojiblancos boss Michel unleashed a verbal barrage on his players after their 2-1 defeat to Athletic Bilbao last weekend, and Palop thinks he was entirely justified in doing so.

“We observe what we are told. The Coach is right, he sees the team every day. To please him we need to reverse the situation, it would be a sign that the team has changed.”

Palop highlighted who he considers the Verdiblancos biggest threats and stressed the positive side of the derby, after some controversial incidents in recent years.

“It's a great rivalry that everyone notes on the calendar. They have Jorge Molina, Ruben Castro, Salva Sevilla and Benat [Extaberria], who is showing great virtues, so we must be especially vigilant on the edge of the box.

“You cannot miss the identity of Seville, you feel the breath of the fans. Nobody wants any violence, but an animation healthy and strong.”
 

Tags Betis Michel Palop Seville derby
La Liga - Club News