Sevilla vs Osasuna preview - Michel: Osasuna clash is vital

Posted Saturday, January 05, 2013 by PA

Sevilla coach Michel admits the Primera Division clash with fellow strugglers Osasuna is a crucial one - especially for him.

The freefalling Andalusian side picked up only one point from their final five matches of 2012 and they begin the new year in 14th spot, just four points above the relegation zone.

That poor form has inevitably placed Michel under the spotlight and the former Spain international is well aware of the importance of the visit of second-bottom Osasuna.

"For us it's a vital game, for the club and of course for me," he said.

"It's a game which we need to win in the manner that we know how. It's not right to have 19 points with such a good squad.

"That amount of points does not correspond to what we want to achieve this season.

"From Saturday, we cannot have any excuses, alibis or explanations, we need to simply do it."

Michel has received a boost ahead of the match with star striker Alvaro Negredo having recovered from an ankle knock to take his place in 20-man squad, although new signing Miroslav Stevanovic will not be involved.

Osasuna dropped into the bottom two after earning just one point from their final three matches heading into the winter break.

Prior to that run, though, Osasuna picked up eight points from four matches and it is that form that goalkeeper Andres Fernandez is hoping his side can recapture at the start of 2013.

He said: "We need to try and return to the good form we had as soon as possible. Now we need to focus on the game against Sevilla. It's going to be very difficult against a wounded opponent who are trying to get out of the situation they find themselves in. It will be a tough match."