Diego Alonso will oversee Sevilla’s training this Thursday after a tough setback in Lens and a European exit in December. He is set to carry on in his role at least through Saturday’s league clash with Getafe. The club faces a harsh reality: eleven matches against solid opponents without a single victory. Six losses, including four in the Champions League, have yielded no points in Europe. This is an alarming trend. The decision to keep Alonso on the bench reflects the belief among the club’s leadership that replacing him now could heighten tension among players and supporters. For now, the focus is on stability, even as another managerial change would complicate Sevilla’s precarious situation.
Financial strain beyond Europe
Controversial refereeing decisions have stirred debate, yet injuries and a streak of bad luck have also weighed on Sevilla. The team’s absence from Champions League play is paired with a disappointing stint in the Europa League, a double blow that carries significant financial implications for the club.
Champions League exit shatters European hopes
Sevilla’s European campaign ended in December, a scenario not seen at Nervión since the 2011-12 season when the club faced a similar setback under different leadership. Four European defeats and no league wins left the squad facing a difficult moment. Victor Orta managed to secure tolerance from the club’s council heading into the weekend match, while public backing from notable players in France provided a temporary cushion ahead of the Getafe game.
As reported by Grupo Prensa Ibérica’s El Periódico de España, the board and Orta’s plan centers on keeping Alonso on through halftime to buy time. The Uruguayan coach is expected to clinch his first league win against Getafe and then steer a steadier performance against Granada and Atlético, with the late December fixture rescheduled for December 23. Any misstep against Bordalás could undermine the strategy of Orta and the board.
Speaking after the Lens match, Alonso expressed resolve: “I feel strong. The players respond on the field, and the locker room’s backing is clear. The issue is what the field shows. The crowd notices the team’s attitude. I’ve felt solid support from the leadership, from the players, and from the fans. We want to win. We train hard, and we will keep pushing for every detail that leads to improvement. On Saturday, Getafe will face consequences, and we intend to triumph.”
The locker room’s support remains intact…
Sergio Ramos voiced his support for Alonso’s continuity, stating, “We will back the coach through this period. I’ve always trusted Diego Alonso and his commitment to the ball. The penalty decision sparked debate, but VAR is there to help review and ensure fair play. He was the only one who saw the incident clearly. We don’t rely on refereeing alone, but this call was problematic.”
Gudelj added, “I don’t understand another managerial change. The whole team stands with our coach. We’re performing well in matches, just not getting the results. We need to break the cycle.” Despite the European exit, Sevilla sits three points above the relegation zone in the league.
Sevilla will celebrate Christmas outside Europe for the first time in over a decade. With Alonso on the bench, some board members question long-term viability, hoping a few positive results will calm the pressure. If his influence wanes, minutes on the field could dwindle as the club weighs the next steps.