Montella hope on Messi absence

Sevilla Coach Vincenzo Montella is hopeful Lionel Messi will be rested by Barcelona for their La Liga clash this weekend.

The Argentine forward did not play over the international break due to a muscular issue, with concerns he may not be able to feature for the trip to Seville this weekend.

“We hope Messi does not play and that Barcelona rest him for the Champions League, but it would not surprise me if he does play,” Montella told Sevilla club media.

“He is an incredible player and even though we are at rival clubs, it is fantastic to watch him play as he has so many fantastic qualities.

“We will not approach the game differently, we will play the game in our style and the same was as we usually do.

“We want to try and have as much possession as possible and move the ball forward, because if we let Barca play their way it will be more difficult.”

Tags Vincenzo Montella
La Liga - Club News