Sevilla’s performance is declining, how has the former Europa League king fallen so low? An article from World Sports may give you an answer.
Having failed to reach the Champions League proper for four consecutive seasons, Sevilla has been struggling annually in the relegation battle. Despite having the fourth highest total squad value in La Liga over the years, they have been unable to register new signings. This once glorious team that dominated Europe, especially the Europa League, is facing a crisis that is not easily perceived by outsiders. After losing to Girona this round, they have only accumulated 2 points after 4 league matches without a single win, ranking second to last in the league table. It seems they will be battling against relegation for the third consecutive season. People can’t help but wonder, how did Sevilla fall so far?
The reasons are multifaceted. Firstly, there is internal strife among the top leadership of the club. The largest shareholder, old Del Nido, has openly declared war on his son, the current chairman Carrasco, calling him an “illegal chairman.” The club has been embroiled in legal battles for years, leaving it in a temporary state of limbo, causing unease at all levels. Fans are calling for Carrasco and his cronies to resign. During every match, fans verbally humiliate him and Castro, as well as all those who support him in cutting unnecessary salary expenses during the club’s crisis.
Secondly, due to a lack of opportunities in European competitions for some time, the club has not gained new subscribers. Without consulting the board of directors, it subscribed to a $108 million loan to be paid off over 10 years, and also signed a $127 million contract with the CVC fund to be paid off over 50 years.
Thirdly, the departure of Monchi, the biggest contributor to Sevilla’s 11 titles this century, further eroded the club’s successful system. His departure led to endless infighting between the current sporting director and the current head coach. After leaving Sevilla, Monchi quickly joined Aston Villa. His actions at Villa suggest that Sevilla failed to make the best use of his talents. His successor, Hortà, has seen the club go through six different coaches in two seasons,
Lastly, the loss of key players in large numbers. En-Nesyri left, and his replacement was a free agent. This isn’t the end; it’s rumored that the soul of the team, Ocampos, might also be sold off by the club. Worst of all, fans believe that this process of decline has no end in sight.