Matías Almeyda Discusses Upcoming Match Against Mallorca

Matías Almeyda addressed the media ahead of Sevilla’s match against Mallorca, set to take place tomorrow at Son Moix at 21:00 hours. Following their victory over Athletic, the team has been able to train with a sense of calm. Almeyda stated, “It would be very beneficial for us to secure points in three consecutive matches. While I am not sure if this will serve as a springboard given the parity in the league, accumulating points is crucial. Our previous loss should serve as a significant lesson. It was a culmination of errors, and we went from winning to losing quite heavily. It was a bitter experience, and it took us several matches to regain our footing. We have discussed and worked on everything. This match is particularly important given our previous experiences playing at home.”

Regarding Neal Maupay, Almeyda remarked, “He is in good condition. I have spoken with people from his previous club as well as with him. He is very welcome here.”

On the status of players Azpilicueta and Nianzou, he commented, “We are monitoring their rehabilitation processes. They are now training with the group, which is the most important aspect. We will make further decisions soon.”

Looking ahead to the match against Mallorca, Almeyda noted, “They are a very aware team and operate from a reality we aim to convey to our players. This is a highly competitive tournament. We are facing a very tough opponent at home, having dropped very few points. In our previous encounter, they turned the game around within ten minutes. We understand the challenge we are about to face. Our priority remains to focus on our own performance, aiming to accumulate points and continue progressing in this tightly contested tournament.”

Discussing the competitive nature of the lower standings, Almeyda said, “You cannot afford to relax because every point is incredibly valuable. It is challenging to secure points amidst such equality, and maintaining consistency is the most difficult aspect. In my opinion, La Liga has become particularly compelling in the lower half since nearly half of the teams find themselves very close in points. It fosters intrigue in that area, while other leagues may attract attention at the top. The mid and lower zones are more competitive, which is a reality I keep in mind. It’s demanding, but that’s football, and we strive to deliver our best. We believe in unity and composure because one match does not define us.”

Almeyda emphasized the need for focus, stating, “To dwell on what others do would be a grave mistake. As long as our fate rests in our own hands, we should not be concerned with others. Any negativity you wish upon others will return to you. Thus, I am focused on our own match tomorrow, not on others’ results. This shapes each individual’s insecurity. As long as we control our own destiny, we will fight for this club’s history. When challenges arise, we must give it our all.”

On his own commitment, he expressed, “I have immense passion and respect for this institution. When I was given the opportunity to join, I was motivated by this crest and the club’s history. The timeline does not solely depend on a coach. If it were up to me, I would always remain here.”

Addressing the importance of points in tightly contested tournaments, Almeyda remarked, “When competitions are tight among many teams, sometimes a single point can mean a lot. I reiterate that our team survived last season by just one point. Coaches’ perspectives can vary greatly; for some, a point represents a defeat, while for others, it signifies gold. It depends on the circumstances, and we must adapt accordingly in terms of timing, method, and context. We need to accumulate and mix points over many matches, which is something we have not consistently achieved. As we enter the second half of the season, we must maintain our focus.”

Regarding Gattoni, Almeyda stated, “I have him in consideration, along with all his teammates. I have been training him for a month now, so I have gained a different perspective on him both as a player and as a person. He demonstrates great professionalism and will have his moment, just like everyone else. Everyone can contribute, and we must extract the best from each player.”

On Adnan Januzaj, who has struggled for continuity since joining Sevilla in 2022, Almeyda defended the Belgian’s commitment, saying, “Januzaj is progressing in his rehabilitation, and we hope to have him back soon. When all players are available, it will present a challenge for me, but a pleasant one. Football allows me to understand players and people better. Januzaj has shown me a player who was previously undervalued, alongside a wonderful person who needs support and confidence because he has performed well in the past. It is true that luck has not been on his side to gain minutes, as he encountered issues during both periods when he was fit, but we hope for his recovery.”

He added, “He is one of those who reduced his salary to stay here. So, how can I not value that? He thinks of his teammates and the club where he has played less, which I consider commitment, similar to many of the players here. I sincerely hope he recovers, and I told him on the day he scored in the cup: ‘The day you score in a tournament, I’ll rush onto the pitch to hug you.’ We are all here to support our players, knowing what they are capable of. I believe in them because I train with them daily and consider them individuals.”