The Basque coach takes charge of Sevilla with the goal of steering the club away from relegation danger.
Sevilla has completed the appointment of its third coach for the 2022-2023 campaign. The Nervión side parted ways with Jorge Sampaoli following a run of poor results and, during the national team break, implemented a bench change by bringing in José Luis Mendilibar.
Signing of José Luis Mendilibar as Sevilla coach: contract length, salary expectations, coaching philosophy, and past clubs
Jose Luis Mendilibar, born in Zaldibar in 1961, steps into the role of Sevilla’s head coach. He signs a contract with the club for the remainder of the season aimed at rescuing Nervión from a precarious position. The Basque tactician already has familiarity with three Sevilla players from his time at Eibar, namely Marko Dmitrovic, Joan Jordán, and Bryan Gil.
In his playing days, Mendilibar operated as a striker through the 1980s and 1990s, turning out for clubs such as Bilbao Athletic, Logroñés, Sestao, and Lemona. After hanging up his boots, he embarked on a coaching career that began in the Basque region, gradually moving through lower-tier sides before stepping into Segunda División management with Eibar in 2004. His first campaign at the club laid the groundwork for what looked like a potential rise to the top tier.
His subsequent path included a stint at Athletic Bilbao, though it lasted just nine matches before he was relieved of his duties. Mendilibar then steered Valladolid back to the Primera División and kept them there for two seasons before parting ways. He later guided Osasuna, rescuing them from relegation in the 2010-11 season, and again in the following campaigns, continuing until his departure in 2013-14.
After a brief spell away, he returned to Eibar, guiding them for six consecutive seasons and becoming a stable figure at the club until they slipped to second place in 2021 and he was no longer in charge. In the previous season, Alavés brought him in mid-season with the aim of avoiding relegation, but his tenure ended in April after results failed to stabilize the team.
Mendilibar is recognized for a demanding, physically oriented approach that emphasizes high-pressure play and rapid transitions to the opponent’s goal. His teams typically press in the attacking third and favor wing play, with a 4-4-2 shape featuring clear roles and an emphasis on compact, hard-working blocks.
These elements define his coaching identity, which Sevilla now looks to harness in a bid to improve results and climb away from the relegation zone. The appointment marks a strategic shift for the club as it seeks consistency and renewed competitiveness in a challenging season.
Source: Noted reporting on Mendilibar’s career and Sevilla’s coaching change has highlighted this transition and its potential impact on the squad’s dynamics and performance expectations.