The first serious match of the season starts in Sevilla where the Andalusian side will clash against FC Barcelona, the Catalan club is looking to make their first silverware victory in the first of two legs. Jorge Sampaoli's team had already lost the European Supercup this past week against Real Madrid, they are looking to at least win one of the two trophies they had a chance to. But Barcelona has Leo Messi at the top of his game alongside Luis Suarez and the addition of the new recruits.
For Barcelona manager Luis Enrique, this match has to be taken seriously, he told the press that: "It's a different Sevilla with Sampaoli's philosophy. They were already a dangerous team, but now they are even more dangerous. I like Sampaoli's philosophy because his teams are great to watch for the fans. I have not had the luck of meeting him, but I like coaches with an attacking philosophy.
"He has great taste if he likes Barcelona. Sevilla are very well organized and have some great players. They strengthened very well. They are a point of reference in Europe and LaLiga. They have some players who can cause us problems. They have had a great transfer market, like they always do. I expect an attractive Sevilla and an entertaining game."
Sampaoli also gave his assessment of the upcoming game: "We must try to fight Barcelona's possession and try to harm them. Tomorrow we still want to have the ball. We will challenge and neutralize such important players as Luis Suarez and Leo Messi. We must move the fans for them to respond."
Sevilla's defender Adil Rami also said: "We have a very optimistic coach that likes to fight and believe. Tomorrow will show again that Sevilla play to win important things and that we believe in our game. It was difficult to accept defeat against Real Madrid but people talked more of our performance than the defeat, which makes me proud."
Photo credit: FC Barcelona