Vincenzo Montella has laughed off suggestion his Sevilla side could finish behind Real Betis in La Liga this season.
Los Rojiblancos currently lead Betis by three points in the standings and Quique Setien’s side have won five more points than their city rivals since the Italian was instilled at the turn of the year.
“Betis finishing above us in the table is not a possibility,” Montella told reporters ahead of his side’s clash with Malaga.
“Right now we are thinking game by game – now our focus is on Malaga, then we will be focused on Athletic Club and then Valencia – we cannot look too far ahead.
“Against Malaga, I expect an intense, aggressive match against a rival who need points and will be motivated against us as they always are.
“Conceding goals? We know how we need to improve, we know we can beat anyone and against Atletico we played the best half an hour of our entire season.
“We must make sure the player’s confidence is recovered.”
Betis defeated Sevilla 5-3 at the Estadio Sanchez Pizjuan in Montella’s first match in La Liga.
