Sevilla Defender Mouhamadou Dabo Admits Real Madrid & Barcelona Are A 'Step Above'

Sevilla full-back Mouhamadou Dabo has looked forward to the upcoming Primera Division season, and admitted that the team will be forced to battle for third spot behind the league’s ‘big two’.

Valencia finished in third position in La Liga in 2009-10, a massive 25 points behind second-placed Real Madrid, with Sevilla a further eight points back in fourth.

Both Barcelona and Real Madrid have strengthened in the close season, and in a press conference this afternoon, Dabo was realistic in his assessment of the season ahead.

He stated: "Real Madrid and Barcelona are one step above, so we must fight for third place."

"Personally, my goal is to play as many games as possible and win all the titles I can. I am delighted to be here, as Sevilla are one of the biggest clubs in the world."

Dabo moved to Andalucia from Ligue 1 side St. Etienne during the summer, and commented that he has adapted to Spanish football well, and has also been glad of the support he has received from his new colleagues.

He exclaimed: "I’m doing fine. In France it is different, because it focuses a lot on the tactical work, whereas in Spain there is less emphasis on this."

"Fredi [Kanoute] always gives me good advice and having peers is very important to me. I always try to listen carefully, both to the coach and the rest of the squad."

Sevilla open their campaign away to newly-promoted Levante.