Retired Sevilla goalkeeper Andres Palop said on Saturday that his former club may have a good chance of finishing among the top four teams in La Liga for the 2018-19 season.
Sevilla got off to a poor start this season with only a single win in the first four matches, but then racked up four straight wins to move up to fourth place in La Liga, just two points behind leader Barcelona, reports Efe news.
"It looks like Sevilla is going to be able to compete for La Liga because we're not seeing a regular performance from Barcelona and Real Madrid this season," Palop said.
"I don't know if (Sevilla) will win La Liga, but the objective of making it to the first four can happen this year," the retired Spain international predicted.
He added that while Atletico Madrid was looking somewhat stronger, the odds were further in Sevilla's favor because both Valencia and Villarreal were not playing well this year.
"Sevilla started with doubts, something normal under a new coach and new players, but I think it will be able to compete," he said, adding that the team's current playing style is completely different than during his time there.
Palop played for Sevilla from 2005-2013, and is currently head coach of the third-tier Spanish league club UD Ibiza.
As of Matchday 10, Barcelona has 18 points, ahead of Espanyol on goal differential, and Alaves holds third place with 17 points.
Atletico Madrid is in fifth, behind Sevilla on goal differential, while a struggling Real Madrid is in seventh place with 14 points.
--IANS
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