Sevilla reject Capel reports

President fiercely denies suggestions of transfer protection

By Lucas Brown   Last updated: 2nd September 2008

Sevilla reject Capel reports

Capel: Did not start against Racing

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Sevilla sporting director Ramon Rodriguez has rejected claims that Diego Capel started on the bench against Racing at the weekend in order to avoid suffering an injury ahead of a potential move.

Reports have linked Capel with a transfer away from the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, with Tottenham Hotspur previously mooted as suitors.

Capel featured for just the final 30 minutes in the 1-1 draw at Racing on Sunday, and it had been suggested the decision was made with a view to protecting the player should a deal be struck.

But Rodriguez has strongly denied the reports, while confirming that he is hopeful 20-year-old Capel will soon pen a new deal with the club.

He told reporters: "I am going to tell you exactly how I feel about these questions and comments. It is completely absurd to think that and even more ridiculous to say it out loud.

Perverse

"It shows a tremendous lack of respect to the club, to the president, the sporting director and to the coach. It is absolutely absurd and the fruit of a perverse mind.

"We have 20 outfield players here and we could name 20 different teams, but the one that has to choose one is the coach.

"I do not consider the decision either privately or publicly because I have confidence in manager Manolo Jimenez and know that he knows what is best for the team."

He added: "We are having more [contract] talks, but our positions are still some way apart. They know what we think and we know what they want. The last meeting was positive and we saw a will on the part of the player and his agent to reach an agreement.

"We want to extend his contract and they are studying our offer although there is not pressure because of time on them. We have confidence that things will be sorted out soon."