Ramos: Proud

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Juande Ramos has admitted that he was proud that Arsene Wenger heaped praise on his Sevilla side, but has warned his players not to let it go to their heads.

The Andalucian club's boss is preparing the team for their first appearance in the UEFA Champions League group stages and they will play Arsenal, along with Slavia Prague and Steaua Bucharest.

After the draw, Wenger said that he felt Sevilla were one of the top four clubs on the continent, but Ramos is keen to guard against complacency.

"I am proud because it was said by a coach who does not give praise easily, but in Europe there are many great teams.

"The fact that they respect us is positive, but on the other hand, we cannot think that we will not have to try too hard to qualify for the next phase.

"Every game in Europe is difficult. If the supposed easy game in the group is against a side that has beaten Ajax then what will the difficult games be like?"

Sevilla have won the Uefa Cup twice in successive seasons, but Ramos believes that their Champions League campaign will be substantially more difficult.

"The Champions League will definitely be a distraction.

"I think it will be more tiring, both physically and mentally, than the Uefa Cup was."

Puerta legacy

Reflecting on the warming of relations between Sevilla and Real Betis following the death of Antonio Puerta, Ramos said that he hopes things can remain friendly.

"I really want the relationship between the fans, the teams and the directors to stay like it is now.

"That would be great and it is what should happen if his spirit is to remain."