Interviews
VIE 13.01.2017
He is one of the greatest goalkeepers in LaLiga history, having racked up over 400 appearances in the Spanish top flight over the course of his stints at R. Valladolid CF, Real Madrid, R. Zaragoza, Valencia CF and Villarreal CF. Cesar Sanchez (Caceres, 1971) won two league titles, two Spanish Super Cups, a UEFA Super Cup, an Intercontinental Cup and a Champions League during his glittering playing career. He is now a keen observer of the action as a LaLiga Santander ambassador, in which capacity he spoke to us about the top-of-the-table clash between Sevilla FC and Real Madrid coming up at the Sanchez-Pizjuan this Sunday.
Nico Pareja Sergio Ramos
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"They're arguably the two most in-form teams not just in LaLiga Santander, but in all of Europe. As well as having good players, their respective coaches have made them function as a team, getting the most out of the talent in their squads," the former shotstopper remarked.
Zinedine Zidane's Madrid side head to Seville sitting pretty at the top of the table on 40 points and having gone a whopping 39 consecutive matches unbeaten. However, they are sure to be put to the test by Jorge Sampaoli's men, who have surged to second place in swashbuckling style – capturing the imagination of fans aplenty in the process – and now have their sights set on rising to the summit.
"Both have done an amazing job. Zidane has demonstrated that he's a great coach who can handle every aspect of leading a team, from man management to tactics. As for Sampaoli, it's always really tough to take over a side after they've been as successful as they were under Unai Emery. But he has quickly put his stamp on things, not only adapting to LaLiga and the nature of the club, but also clicking really well with the players," Cesar noted.
Sevilla and Real Madrid peñas in Germany & India all set for Sunday's #LaLiga showdown! #SevillaFCRealMadrid
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With all of these ingredients, the stage is set for another pulsating encounter between these two clubs – who have a habit of conjuring up classics – at what promises to be a rocking Sanchez-Pizjuan. "It's always a special game because of the atmosphere," Cesar said, before stressing that the crowd and TV viewers are in for a real treat on Sunday: "They'll have the chance to see what may well be one of the most watchable matches anywhere in the world right now, with an extraordinary atmosphere. It's guaranteed to be a great spectacle."
© LALIGA - 2017