The new Sevilla FC head coach spoke with a tone of honesty and pride, drawing a comparison to a legendary figure while underscoring his own authenticity. He welcomed the spotlight and admitted to being flattered by the parallel drawn with Diego Simeone, the Argentine manager who has left a lasting mark on Atlético de Madrid.
Alonso described the moment as the start of a journey filled with happiness, strong enthusiasm, and a clear sense of ambition for the project. He stressed the balance between what the team can offer him and what he can contribute to the club. His attitude remained upbeat, and he noted that everything he had experienced in those initial hours felt extraordinary.
The immediate objective, he said, is to focus on the first match. His approach is to take things one step at a time, refining the team’s ideas and style with a relentless emphasis on preparation. He believes preparation is the gateway to good performance on game day.
When asked to reflect on his arrival in Europe, he pointed out that it marks his first European coaching experience. He reminded that he spent five seasons playing in Spain and noted his familiarity with European football, having spent time in Paraguay, Uruguay, Mexico, and the United States. He embraces the new challenge as a natural progression and half-jokingly added that he lives in Madrid when not working, staying connected with the scene. He expressed a commitment to immersion, saying he remains involved in the day-to-day happenings of the club.
Regarding comparisons with Mendilibar, Alonso offered a thoughtful stance: every coach has a unique view of the game and a personal blueprint for how his team should play. He avoided predicting a direct comparison and instead suggested that the proof would come on the pitch as the team exposes its ideas through action.
On the squad template, he conveyed a strong sense of optimism. He saw a balanced group capable of adapting to different systems and styles, which would provide tactical flexibility. His preference leaning toward possession-based play didn’t eclipse his desire to press aggressively and dictate the tempo. He spoke of building a team that can dominate situations through pressure while also using thoughtful combinations to break lines. The goal, in his view, is to be assertive without sacrificing control, maintaining a persistent, proactive identity from the opening whistle.
When asked about the players, he acknowledged the affection with which Mendilibar was held by the squad and the emotional challenge of transitioning. He found the group ready to respond with courage and continued ambition, ready to reverse a difficult moment and turn things around.
Regarding potential signings, Alonso indicated that there had been no discussions about market moves or squad reinforcement at that point. He expressed contentment with the current group and suggested that any future decisions would reveal themselves as the season unfolds. For now, the focus remained on the tasks at hand and the ongoing evaluation of performance on the field.
On personal authenticity, he reaffirmed a commitment to being himself rather than chasing any imitation. He drew a lighthearted comparison with a famous personality and stated his desire to stand as his own version of a leader, with his own strengths and style.
Winning was framed as a core element of competition, though not the sole objective. He emphasized that preparation to win is equally important, highlighting a broader view of success that includes readiness, development, and teamwork. He envisions a club that thrives in Europe, capable of competing at the highest level across tournaments, while maintaining a spirit of resilience and determination.
In speaking about veteran leaders within the squad, he highlighted Jesús Navas and Sergio Ramos as high-caliber players and natural leaders. Their guidance on and off the field would be invaluable, and Alonso framed them as enduring examples of excellence. The ability to rely on such figures is a luxury that the team intends to maximize, aligning experience with a collective goal of sustained success.
Finally, Alonso touched on managing a dressing room filled with strong personalities. His philosophy centers on understanding each player’s mindset, communicating appropriately, and ensuring that leadership and ambition translate into tangible results. He believes that having top players should not hinder progress and that experience from Uruguay and elsewhere shows that winners seek to maintain momentum and drive the club forward.