The Sevilla chairman speaks with a candid voice, aiming to reverse the club’s current market standing and planning for the upcoming shareholders’ meeting.
In an in-depth interview with ABC de Sevilla, José Castro outlines the club’s challenging sporting phase, takes responsibility, and explains how he plans to navigate the December 29 gathering where José María del Nido could challenge him for the presidency.
The team’s present struggle is clear. Castro notes, Sevilla cannot rely on the past. Yet he also highlights the achievements of the last nine seasons during his presidency: six appearances in the Champions League, three in the Europa League, ten finals, and four European trophies. He acknowledges mistakes this year but remains confident that the club will correct course. His concern centers on Sevilla’s performance now, not on what the shareholders’ meeting might bring.
On the missteps, Castro emphasizes that dwelling on them is unproductive. He concedes there have been wrong decisions across different sporting areas and stresses that the diagnosis and the remedies are known. He promises a turnaround and asks for patience as the club works toward stability.
Looking at winter movements, Castro says the club will work closely with the coaching staff to strengthen the squad during the winter window. There is ambition to match the prior window, evidenced by the arrivals of Martial and Tecatito Corona. He notes departures and arrivals are being managed, but declines to disclose strategic details. Ambition has been a constant, and it has driven results.
Transfer decisions last summer were made under Julen Lopetegui, and the Catalan coach’s influence is acknowledged in the current changes during the winter market. The aim is for the squad to align with the new manager’s style of play.
Responsibility for the club’s misfortunes is clearly accepted by the president. Castro states that the executive committee acts in unison for Sevilla FC, even amid inevitable disagreements that enrich discussions. He emphasizes unity within the organization and downplays personal distance.
Regarding Monchi and his future, Castro explains that Monchi remains fully committed to Sevilla after his return from Roma, and that Sevilla’s successes belong to everyone connected with the club.
Shareholder stability comes under scrutiny. Castro points to a fragile period stemming from a 2019 partnership agreement and the subsequent behavior of some signatories who have complained about board actions. He notes the ongoing involvement of 777 Partners, led by Del Nido Benavente, and describes the situation as challenging and resource-draining. He insists that the pact remains in force and that day-to-day developments continue to unfold as expected by court rulings.
When asked about the upcoming meeting, Castro says the club will approach it calmly and with a clear focus on returning to victory with the team. He stresses that the community should be most concerned with Sevilla, not the opposition, and highlights the appointment of a club insider as CEO as evidence of the club’s steady governance.
Del Nido Benavente’s moves and credibility are a frequent topic. Castro questions the former president’s stated intentions and highlights a lack of credibility in the statements made over the past three years. He recalls the stadium’s improvements since 2014, including enhanced accessibility, new entrances, updated outer façades, and upgrades to accommodate a Europa League final. He also notes progress at the sports city and the emergence of a new first team residence and facilities on the horizon.
Looking ahead to the stadium, Castro reveals that the club has commissioned a report from Legends and is reviewing it with league officials and advisers. Various stadium scenarios are under consideration, all driven by what the fans want. While he stresses the priority of the project, he cautions against promises that stretch beyond his usual style.
On Del Nido’s voting, Castro mentions the former president’s right to vote last year, but notes that he did not exercise it, respecting the pact still in effect. His current intentions remain uncertain.
Financially, the club is not in dire straits, Castro asserts, thanks to solid performance in pre-pandemic seasons. He explains the pandemic caused losses in 19-20, and 20-21 saw further strain, including a decision to sell Koundé. Nevertheless, strong balances from earlier years have helped the club stay solvent, and Castro stresses a plan to reduce costs while keeping ambition high in sport. This is a core objective the board continues to pursue.