Sevilla vs Granada preview - Fazio not fazed by cup loss

Posted Monday, January 28, 2013 by PA

Sevilla defender Federico Fazio has warned his team-mates they cannot afford to dwell on their midweek Copa del Rey achievements as they return to Primera Division action against Granada.

Unai Emery's men made sure of their place in the semi-finals with a 4-0 demolition of Real Zaragoza.

It was a much improved showing by Sevilla, who changed coaches two weeks ago because of their poor league form, with the club currently lying 12th following a run of one win in eight matches.

And although Fazio knows their cup exploits are something to be proud of, he is aware the team's main concern is to get back on track in La Liga.

"We are preparing for the match against Granada with more energy and confidence," the Argentinian told the club's official website. "But we cannot be distracted because we have to get three points.

"We know we are not where we wanted to be at this stage of the season but our response has to start on Monday.

"We have some big games coming up and it's very important to get six points to move up the standings.

"We have a good team and we have time to turn things around. When I'm wearing the shirt and I look around, I see the quality there in the squad to raise our level."

Sevilla are hoping Andres Palop will overcome fitness troubles in time for the match, while Granada will be missing a trio of injured players in Moises Hurtado, Fran Rico and Dani Benitez.

The visitors are in an even more precarious league position than their opponents, but a 2-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano last time out means Granada now sit two points above the bottom three.

Their form has shown signs of improvement in recent weeks with just one defeat in their last five matches, but coach Juan Antonio Anquela is still demanding more from his players.

"I want more intensity," he said on the club's website. "This team will not achieve its goal if they are not playing at the highest level and working as a team.

"We have to make the most of every game, every training session, or else we won't win.

"I want more. We have to play to our limits."