Guardiola wary of Sevilla threat

Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola expects a stern test when his side return to La Liga action on Sunday with a trip to Sevilla.

After a tough 3-1 win against Arsenal on Tuesday to secure their spot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, Guardiola’s men are seven points clear of second-placed Real Madrid in the league.

Despite the fact Sevilla are in eighth place on the table and a massive 36 points behind the leaders, Guardiola claims their Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan is a difficult venue at which to get a result.

“It is one of the most difficult grounds, and they are tough opponents,” Guardiola said.

“They have been a top team for a long time, and have won many trophies. They are one of the big teams, and it is a classic game. They have good players and a well defined way of playing.”

“They know how to attack well and have good play down the wing – the arrival of (Croatian international midfielder Ivan) Rakitic has made them more solid in midfield.”

Sevilla, who qualified for last season’s Champions League, have no shortage of quality according to Guardiola, and he insists the game is one his men cannot afford to take lightly.

“They are a team who have shown that they are capable of playing well even when losing,” he said.

“(Diego) Capel, (Frederic) Kanoute and Navas, Rakitic and Renato are great players.”

“They have (Didier) Zokora, and Romaric who isn’t even playing so much recently. That shows the talent that they have. They are the most recent cup winners, one of the teams with the most trophies in recent years.”