Sevilla Boss Not Scared of Barcelona Despite Tough Task Ahead

Sevilla manager Luis Garcia Plaza says his team is facing a huge test this weekend when league leaders Barcelona come to town, but he's not ready to write his side off before a ball is kicked.

Barcelona have been scoring goals for fun this season, which makes them one of the hardest teams in La Liga to deal with. Even so, Sevilla are in decent form right now, and Garcia Plaza thinks that should give his players belief instead of just playing for damage control.

"There's always a chance of winning or picking up points," he said.

Garcia Plaza knows better than most just how good Barcelona can be. He's faced them before under Pep Guardiola, and he used that experience to show just how tough this current version of the team is, not to suggest things have gotten any easier.

"I've faced Guardiola's Barca before and you couldn't even see the ball. But this team is incredible," he said.

He also pointed to how many chances this Barcelona side creates, admitting that even though Sevilla are playing well right now, the numbers speak for themselves.

"They create so many chances to score. As Fabregas said, they're terrifying. I'm not the one saying it," he said. "On paper, they're the favourites, but we're in good form. It's true that they're scoring four or five goals a game."

That's the main worry for Sevilla heading into the game, stopping Barcelona from turning possession into chances the way they usually do.

"So far we've been very good, apart from the day we played Atletico," Garcia Plaza said. "What we want is for them to create few chances against us, but it's true that we're up against an opponent who creates a lot, a lot."

Despite the threat, Garcia Plaza isn't planning to completely change how his team plays just to deal with Barcelona. He wants Sevilla to stick to what's been working for them.

"We're going to try to compete against them just as we would against anyone else," he said. "I'd also say that if they come here and we're not able to compete with them, we'll have to ask ourselves about the standard of the team we're up against."

He also acknowledged the tactical challenge that comes with facing Hansi Flick's side, given their pressing, movement and knack for creating chances against almost anyone.

"They certainly are, but I'm sure they'd pose a challenge to everyone they've swept aside," Garcia Plaza said. "We're going to give it a go using our own strengths and creating our own chances. Guardiola's Barcelona scored six against me, but I also beat them. We'll have to be at our very best if we're to stand a chance."