Sevilla FC President José María del Nido Carrasco Discusses Team’s Challenges and Future

omidbasir- José María del Nido Carrasco, the president of Sevilla FC, recently provided an in-depth analysis of the club’s current situation, which is perilously close to the relegation zone, during an interview on Canal Sur’s program ‘La Jugada de Sevilla.’ He openly discussed various topics, including the team’s performance, the potential sale of the club, the circumstances surrounding Sergio Ramos, and his personal reflections.

“My position is not dependent on whether I earn one, ten, or one hundred euros. I remain in this role because I make decisions that I believe are responsible and are supported by our shareholders, the Board of Directors, LaLiga—who are aware of our strategic plan—and our primary financier, Goldman Sachs, who has lent us 180 million euros. I am bound by a commitment to manage the club responsibly with the backing of the majority of the shareholders. I will continue to oversee the club with a clear conscience, confident that we are doing what is necessary, even as we face significant challenges on the field in recent seasons,” he stated.

Addressing concerns about the threat of relegation, he said, “During the summer, we recognized that the current circumstances could arise. However, we are convinced that we will overcome this situation.”

On the subject of the head coach, Matías Almeyda, del Nido expressed complete confidence: “I speak with Matías every day. I know he is strong and a fighter; he is the ideal person to lead Sevilla. This Sevilla may not be the one known for winning titles, but it must work creatively to register players. We trust Matías.”

When asked if the negative chants directed at player Junior might prompt him to step down, he responded, “As president of Sevilla, I am following our strategic plan with a clear conscience. We have reduced the club’s expenditures, which were unsustainable without competing in the Champions League. There is a distinct difference between fans chanting ‘Junior, leave now’ and ‘Junior, die.’ Such extreme sentiments should be condemned. I do not need to explain myself to the fans; many nights I lie awake questioning whether it is worth continuing in this role. Yet, I accept being viewed as the antagonist in this story for the sake of responsibility.”

Reflecting on whether it is worth enduring the current challenges, he admitted, “There are days I wonder if it’s worth it. I have a mother, a wife, and children. However, I believe that when faced with adversity, fleeing is not an option, especially when I am part of the problem. I draw strength from my commitment to Sevilla and my sense of responsibility.”

Regarding the sale of the club, he clarified, “While my father holds many shares in Sevilla, my involvement is separate, despite my role as president. The only factor that could alter our strategic plan would be if an investor provides funds without expecting a return for the club’s revitalization.”

When discussing Sergio Ramos, he remarked, “The day I am told I must leave, I will do so. I am aware that there is an ongoing due diligence process regarding Sergio, which is more pertinent to the buyer and seller.”

On whether he would remain with the club if a sale occurs, he stated, “I am not currently contemplating the future; I find it challenging enough to manage the day-to-day responsibilities. I have no involvement in the sale process and cannot predict its duration.”

Concerning his performance, he reflected, “Whether I am failing or not is a judgment for others to make. I am making decisions to ensure Sevilla’s survival, and I do so with a clear conscience.”

Lastly, regarding the possibility that Ramos could have joined during the winter transfer window, del Nido asserted, “The decision for him not to play for Sevilla was mine (as reported by Roberto Gómez on Radio MARCA). It was incompatible for a potential owner of Sevilla to be playing for the team, especially under Matías Almeyda’s management. That’s why he is not playing for us. Moreover, we do not have a salary cap, and he could not play for free. The decision rests solely with me and is not related to sporting matters.”