The 62-year-old coach had secured only two wins from eleven fixtures as the new campaign unfolded.
Sevilla FC announced on Sunday that it would part ways with José Luis Mendilibar, the head coach of the Seville club, marking a significant shift in leadership for Nervión in the early stages of the season.
Why Sevilla FC is firing José Luis Mendilibar as coach and who would be his replacement
The path for Mendilibar at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán stadium was not an easy one. The Andalusian club record shows a challenging start, with just two victories from eleven matches across all competitions. The tally includes eight league games, two Champions League fixtures, and a European Super Cup clash against Manchester City. Alongside those two wins, Sevilla also registered five draws and four defeats, a balance that put the team on a difficult trajectory early in the season.
Seville’s statement
Sevilla FC confirmed on Sunday, after a meeting of the management committee, that Mendilibar would be dismissed as coach in light of the results at the outset of the campaign. The club expressed appreciation for the Basque coach’s contribution, noting that his tenure helped secure the club’s seventh Europa League title. Mendilibar had overseen 28 official matches for Sevilla, a record reflecting the early-impression phase of the 2023/24 season as well as the broader arc of his stint with the club. In the current campaign, the team posted two wins, five draws, and four losses, a record that contrasted with the early promise shown in previous seasons. Looking back at the 2022/23 period, Mendilibar had steered the squad to eight wins, six draws, and three defeats across La Liga and the Europa League, underscoring a history of competitive results even as the early days of the latest season proved troublesome. The club wished Mendilibar success in his future endeavors and thanked him for his service to Sevilla.
In sum, the decision reflected a period of transition for the club as it sought to recalibrate its coaching strategy amid a demanding schedule and high expectations from fans and stakeholders alike.
Fernando’s change
The moment at the end of Mendilibar’s tenure also featured a tense scene in the closing minutes of a league match against Rayo Vallecano. Mendilibar substituted Fernando, while Ivan Rakitic was brought on earlier in the game in the 35th minute. The substitute’s reception from Fernando and the subsequent walk to the locker room created friction, highlighted by a lukewarm greeting from Fernando toward the bench. The episode sparked a broader discussion among fans at the Sánchez Pizjuán, revealing a climate of division that sometimes surface during high-stakes periods for a club in transition. The club will be mindful of maintaining unity as it navigates this turning point and works to restore a cohesive mood around the squad.
Who replaces Mendilibar
According to reports from Radio Marca, the two candidates generating the most attention to fill the Nervión bench are Javi Gracia and Andoni Iraola. Both coaches bring different profiles and experiences that could influence Sevilla’s approach going forward. Gracia, known for a pragmatic, organized style, would likely emphasize structure and resilience in defense, while Iraola’s philosophy has been associated with a more progressive and proactive brand of football. The club will evaluate tactical fit, leadership qualities, and the ability to integrate any new ideas quickly with the existing squad as it moves toward the transfer window and the remainder of the season.
As the discussion around a successor continues, Sevilla remains focused on stabilizing results and rebuilding momentum. The choice of a new coach will be watched closely by supporters across the region and by observers of Spanish football who track how clubs balance ambition with the realities of a demanding international schedule.
Note: The information reflects ongoing coverage and reported discussions at the time of the announcement.
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