Sevilla vs Getafe preview - Gavilan saw Getafe's run coming

Posted Saturday, January 04, 2014 by PA

Jaime Gavilan has insisted there is nothing surprising about Getafe's strong showing this season and believes the team must strive to do even better in 2014.

Despite suffering defeats in three of their last four league outings, the Madrid-based side sit eighth in the Primera Division after 17 games and are through to the last 16 of the Copa del Rey.

A trip to in-form Sevilla this weekend will provide a stern test, however, with Los Rojiblancos on a run of four wins and a draw from their last five league outings.

But midfielder Gavilan insists his side should fear no one as they push to cement a place in the European berths.

"It's no surprise, it's the result of the work we have put in and the commitment we have shown," he told a press conference when asked about his club's form so far this term.

"We hope that we keep progressing at the same pace in 2014 and that we can improve.

"You should never be satisfied with what you have achieved. We are in a good position and have set objectives for ourselves, we are close to qualifying for Europe. We have to be ambitious and demand the most of ourselves."

Seventh-placed Sevilla, who are three points clear of Getafe, head into the match at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan amid uncertainty over the future of captain Ivan Rakitic.

The Croatia international has just a year and a half left on his contract and is believed to be coveted by a number of European clubs, including Paris St Germain, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea.

Asked whether Sevilla were going to offer him a new contract, the midfielder told a press conference: "For now there is nothing to tell, we've all been on holiday, I have barely used my mobile phone.

"We are going to sit down and talk and then decide what we will do.

"Everyone knows that I am always willing to give everything in training and in every match and enjoy living in the city. People know that I'm enjoying myself here and that I love being part of Sevilla."