Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has once more hinted that his side are not involved in the La Liga title race this season.
The Argentine maintained a similar stance last season, but eventually led his team to their first league title since 1996.
Atletico currently sit third in La Liga, just four points off leaders Real Madrid, but Simeone has picked out Sevilla and Valencia as their main challengers in the league this season.
"It's very clear to me. We're three points ahead of Sevilla, which is a lot, and five of Valencia, which is a good number, but there's still a long way to go," he told reporters at a press conference.
"It's too early to comment as this, but the reality is that I only look at Sevilla and Valencia. I don't know about the rest.
"Inferences can only be made at the end of the season, but the team are always improving and growing. That gives us the opportunity to be competitive."
Atletico travel to Elche in the league on Saturday afternoon.
Matt Law
