The week ahead brings Sevilla’s new boss into the spotlight as he prepares for his first match against Cadiz, aiming to stabilize the club and secure a longer stay in LaLiga. Jose Luis Mendilibar arrives with a clear plan to shift the mood inside the locker room and set a practical path toward steady, tangible improvements.
When Mendilibar spoke about his approach, he emphasized calm methods and straightforward training. His message centers on doing things well, without rushing. The aim is to keep things simple, minimize mistakes, and let players enjoy a smoother, more confident rhythm. He notes that watching players on television might give a false impression of their demeanor, but daily interactions reveal athletes who welcome instruction and are eager for fresh ideas. They have responded to a proposal that seeks not just a coaching change, but a broader evolution. The captains and veteran players are expected to lead by example, so the group can rally around a shared improvement plan once the national teams return. The coach also recognizes that the players are emotionally drained by the club’s recent struggles and that a visible, steady voice can help them stay resilient when things go wrong. [Goal]
Defense, a collective responsibility
On the defensive side, Mendilibar admits the squad will still be light on central defenders, yet he insists the defensive performance will come through collective effort. He notes that Marcao will not be available for the Cadiz trip due to the delay in arrivals and injuries, and that recent injuries have forced the team to improvise with midfielders in defense. He argues that defense is not a standalone issue; it hinges on how the whole team maps out its responsibility. If the back line is exposed, it usually reflects problems higher up the field rather than a single position. Everything connects in the team’s defensive unit. [Goal]
Attacking from the wings and a closer look at Jordán
Offensively, the Basque coach is open to lining up with two forwards if the game requires it, but his core expectation is a new mindset rather than a fixed set of players. The team should attack more from the flanks, look for crosses, and at times deploy two strikers. He stresses that the choice of attackers is governed by the team’s idea and system, not by a rigid lineup. He believes the squad must adapt, and he is not tied to any single approach. [Goal]
One familiar face Mendilibar plans to redefine is Joan Jordán. Having coached Jordán at Eibar, Mendilibar intends to push him into a role that suits the new system, bringing him closer to his goal and asking him to influence play higher up the field. The objective is to align Jordán’s responsibilities with the team’s evolving demands while maintaining a clear mutual understanding of expectations. [Goal]
Regarding his own role, Mendilibar is realistic about the timeframe. The priority is securing maintenance in LaLiga, not chasing European glory. He confirms the current stint will cover the remaining three months, with flexibility to extend if both sides feel comfortable. There is no clause-driven pressure to stay unless a mutual agreement is reached, and he has a pragmatic view of long-term stability after preliminary seasons elsewhere. He has seen clubs benefit from patience and steady leadership, and believes Sevilla can command respect in Europe for their past achievements in the Europa League while continuing to perform well locally. [Goal]
As the season continues, fans in the United States and Canada will watch how the Sevilla project unfolds, especially given the club’s history in European competitions. The emphasis is on building confidence, improving team chemistry, and establishing a disciplined, collective approach that can sustain results over the next several months. [Goal]