Xisco hits back at Ramos

Real Betis' Xisco has responded to the recent jibe by Sevilla coach Juande Ramos.

The war of words between Real Betis and Sevilla continued unabated ahead of next week's derby clash, as Xisco hit back at Juande Ramos' recent jibe, by claiming that the bigger club are the ones that win trophies.

The Betis midfielder was reacting to the Sevilla coach's assertion that he was pleased to be coaching a big club at last, making a clear reference to the time he spent in charge of the verdiblanco.

"I think that a big team is one that is playing in the the Champions League, and who have won a trophy recently," he said alluding to Betis' Copa del Rey triumph last season.

"While another team has not won anything.

"Real Betis is the bigger club and are becoming stronger and stronger. For me, we have one of the best teams in Europe at the moment.

"The other team in this city have not won anything recently. The team that have won something and are playing in the best European competition is Real Betis.

"I do not want to say if the other team is a big team or not, all I know is that Betis certainly are."

After sparking the latest round of mud-slinging, Ramos claimed that he been misunderstood and had no intention of provoking anyone at Betis.

"I was not hoping to do this, I do not think I said anything provocative," the Sevilla trainer explained.

"My words have been taken out of context in order to heat up the derby, because I only spoke about Sevilla.

"I have not said anything about any club other than Sevilla. My belief is that I am at a club that has grown enormously. The media have changed what I said in order to create a debate."