Monchi, Sevilla's director of football, has no doubts about Ivan Rakitic's future. "I'm convinced that he will be at Sevilla for a long time. The whirlwind fixture pile-up has delayed his contract renewal, but the club is not in the least bit worried," he remarked.

"I speak to him every day and I know what he wants. He is going to renew his contract, and if he renews it, he's not then going to leave after a week. If he renews it, it's to stay. I can't see a scenario with him leaving," said Monchi.

As for Federico Fazio, the highly regarded director of football remarked that "he is very happy at Sevilla and there is no concern about him leaving".