Xavi Torres: "The fans deserve to have something to celebrate, hopefully we can win the derby for them"

"I've been told this is the best derby in the world", declared the player from Alicante

Xavi Torres attended members of the press at the educational institution "Colegio Capitán General Julio Coloma", where another event was being held for the 'From School to Football" programme. The midfielder from Javea highlighted the special characteristics of this match, which is of vital importance for the fans and the team, convinced in the fact that the team would come away with the three points and improve their position on the league table. The Betis midfielder who has not been able to train this week indicated that tomorrow he will be able to get back to training with the rest of the group.

The need for the three points: : "Obviously this match is talked about from the moment the league calendar is made public. It's a special day for the city and for Betis fans. We want to walk away from the match victorious even though it's a tall order, but the fans deserve something to celebrate; and, more importantly, we need the three points".

What have they told you about the derby?: "They have told me everything. Ever since I got here they have been telling me it's the greatest derby in the world. It's exciting for a player to be in a match like this, especially if you're wearing green and white. Hopefully it will be a good match and we will be able to bring some joy to the Betis fans because they deserve it".

Will it be a decaffeinated match?: "Decaffeinated no. It is going to be spectacular, everyone must watch it. Both teams really want to win. Hopefully we'll win this attractive match".

Jairo's comments: : "They mean nothing to me. Everyone's entitled to their opinion. I don't care what he thinks. There is still a lot of season ahead of us and many points to be won. Betis will get themselves out of this situation, the team has the potential to be much better placed in the League, I've been at this game for a long time and those sort of comments don't affect me. He won't have said it on purpose. I wouldn't pay much attention to it. The only thing that really matters is what happens on the pitch".

Sevilla is not well placed either: "I have no idea what is happening in that team. It's not important for me. What is important to me is that we play a good match. Those three points are as important to us as the air we breath".

Rubén Castro: "Obviously he is the sort of player you miss when he's not around. He is very good and he scores a lot of goals in a season. We have performed really well in the last four matches. The team deserves to get more points. We have to keep playing like we have. Hopefully we all give enough to merit bringing those three points home".

Advice from the veteran players: "It is good to tap in on everyone's experience, the manager's the players'... There is a break in the league, and we are all focussing on this important match. I have to say that it is highlighted on our calendar and we would love to win it".

You have played other derbies with Barça and Levante: "They are nice derbies too but I've been told that the Seville derby is beyond compare".

Sevilla FC: "Clearly they have good players, I hope they are all able to play. I would like all of Sevilla to be available for the match. We want to play and look in to their eyes on the field of play. If we play well we have a good chance of winning".

Iborra: "My team mate is responsible for what he says. Sevilla is a dangerous team to play and more so at home. But they will be up against an even more dangerous Betis. We are really keyed up for the match. The fans deserve a victory".

Have you spoken this week?: "We are friends, we talk. But that friendship does not exist on the field of play, there is respect, but not friendship. We both want the best for our respective teams. We joke with each other, that's only natural, but we both know there is a lot at stake".

Favourite: "There isn't one. They are playing at home and that could count in their favour. To talk in terms of favourites is nonsense. We want to win, and both of us have the support of our fans who are really dedicated".

Will you play in the derby?: "I have had a bit of discomfort recently, I had some liquid on the heel. It was filtered yesterday and I was told I had to rest, but I'll train tomorrow for sure. I don't think I'll miss the match".