SEVILLE - Sevilla defender Ivica Dragutinovic insists his side's title hopes have not been sunk by their dramatic recent loss of form.
Sevilla started their domestic campaign in style with a 6-3 aggregate Supercup victory over champions Real Madrid and then back-to-back 4-1 wins over Getafe and Recreativo Huelva in their opening two league games.
But since then the Andalusian side have lost four Primera Liga matches in succession, leaving them 15th in the standings and already 13 points adrift of leaders Madrid.
After two hugely successful years, these are uncertain times for Juande Ramos and his men, but Dragutinovic is adamant they can get back on track.
"The league has not been lost. That is the way we need to think. We are going to get out of this bad run because we have quality. What we need is a positive result," he said.
"I don't think we need to worry. Sevilla have had a great squad over the last two years and we are going to show it."
Dragutinovic does feel the two-time reigning UEFA Cup holders will need to reinforce their squad during the winter transfer window though, especially at left-back where the team have been short-handed since the tragic death of Antonio Puerta.
"Right now, I am the only one who can play left-back, we do not have another. It would be very good if someone came in," the Serbian international told Marca.
"We have a great squad and we have to have two or three players for every place.
"I am sure that the club will sign in January, it would be good for all.
"If I was being selfish, I could say that we do not need anybody but we work at a very high level and we need rotations and have competition from a team-mate who can take your place."
Dragutinovic admits the loss of Puerta, who died at the age of 22 in hospital three days after collapsing during August's match against Getafe, has been hard felt by the club.
"We are aware of what is happening to us. To lose a companion such as Antonio has been the toughest thing that I have had to deal with," the 31-year-old said.
"As well as that, for me he was the best young footballer in Spain. We feel his absence both on a human and sporting level."
