Marcel Sabitzer says he is ready for every game and keen to repay fans’ backing

“I think so,” he replied, when asked if the laser focus on game after game has, in some respects, helped his cause. “Every footballer loves the games.

“That’s good we have a lot of games. We are fit, we are ready and enjoying the moment. One hundred per cent [I can play three games a week]. I saw the comment Bruno [Fernandes] did and it was the same for me. I want to play every day, if possible, I am ready for every game.”

Real Betis are certain to provide tough opposition in the Europa League on Thursday night, as our reward for knocking out another Spanish side in Barcelona. Manuel Pellegrini’s men are much-respected opponents and Sabitzer feels it was inevitable the test would be a difficult one at this stage of the competition.

“I think, in the knockout stages, there are no easy games, no easy opponents,” he stated. “We have to be ready for Real Betis as well. They are a good team with quality players but I think, when we’re on the pitch, we’ll show our qualities and we will win these games.”