Rivaldo: Sevilla fans will try to provoke Sergio Ramos
“The Sevilla fans will provoke him to put him under pressure and to try to destabilise him," said the Barcelona legend in an interview with Betfair.
Barcelona legend and Betfair ambassador, Rivaldo has spoken ahead of game week six of LaLiga, in which Real Madrid travel to Sevilla’s Pizjuán Stadium after Saturday’s 1-0 victory at home against Espanyol, while Barcelona visit Leganés hoping to secure a win after their draw with Girona on Sunday.
The Brazil World Cup winner also gave his thoughts about the issue of LaLiga game times in hot weather, following a twitter row over the matter between Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales and LaLiga president Javier Tebas.
Rivaldo quotes:
Sergio Ramos’ return to Pizjuán: “The Sevilla fans will provoke him to put him under pressure and to try to destabilise him. But he is an experienced player and I don’t think Real Madrid will lose because of him.”
Sevilla-Madrid prediction: “Madrid will come up against many difficulties in Seville ... The hosts have a good chance of getting a draw or even a victory in front of their own fans."
Barcelona form: "It is unfair to criticize Barcelona’s defence, it is probably one of the best in the world."
Barcelona’s drought in Europe: “Not achieving success in the Champions League last season was not good, but I think they are doing a good job and Valverde is justifying his contract renewal."
Leganés-Barcelona game: "They’re playing against the team that is bottom of the table, so they shouldn’t have many problems in this game. When you are the leader of the competition and you face a weak opponent you are almost obligated to win.”
Changing LaLiga game times because of the heat: "You always have to pay attention to the human factor of football and avoid setting match schedules in times of high temperatures. Fans can suffer because of this, it is normal that the LaLiga president is being questioned by the FA. It is important to predict and reschedule matches in cases of extreme heat if necessary, and try to choose a schedule that does not jeopardize the health of the players or the fans.”