Matías Almeyda Discusses Upcoming Sevilla-Betis Derby

This Friday at noon, Matías Almeyda addressed the media in the press room at the Jesús Navas Stadium, ahead of the fourteenth matchday of LaLiga EA Sports. Sevilla will host Betis at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán this Sunday at 16:15 hours. “Derbies are special matches that one truly appreciates. Everyone wants to win, and I strive to enjoy it, but I don’t go out on the street. It’s part of football folklore, with a significant sense of belonging, as it represents the history of rivals from the same city,” began the Argentine coach.

Regarding his revenge as a player in the derby, Almeyda stated, “No, I accept life as it comes; I don’t have grievances. I live day by day, and what has happened is in the past. Over thirty years, I’ve experienced many good things, but this isn’t about me. I consider myself fortunate to be the coach and wish for us to rise to the occasion to win a derby. But I don’t think about it for myself.”

On the keys to derbies, he remarked, “I experience this from a rather unique perspective, given my experiences in other places where I’ve played. There’s one clear thing: the derby is a match filled with emotion, and one plays it because they immerse themselves in the history of a club. I seek to instill a sense of belonging to where I am, which makes me a supporter of that place, as I connect with its history. However, the sentiment that those born here have is incomparable. We may have 70,000 players who have come and gone, but I’m not sure anyone matches the connection of Carmona. We will try to transmit that feeling by playing a derby. These matches leave a lasting mark in history.”

Concerning the open training session, he noted, “This is about being close and demonstrating that we need that unity. The fans are likely lifelong supporters of this club; therefore, their sentiment is very special. The match must be played for them, for the folklore. It’s about making them part of a special day where training will be entirely different for them. We desire that unity that creates strength.”

Addressing the different dynamics of derbies, Almeyda explained, “These matches are entirely distinct, and it depends on the personality of each player. The calmer one who makes fewer mistakes will excel in the derby.”

In his message to the fans, he expressed, “They do everything; it’s a derby they have been preparing for. When you arrive in a country, at a team, they greet you at the airport and say: ‘the derby’; when you go to buy bread: ‘the derby’; when you go to the butcher: ‘the derby’. Now the moment has arrived. I understand how the fans anticipate it because I was once a fan; I understand the preparation and excitement. From this side, we must approach it with a slightly cooler head, while they will experience it in their own way.”

On Alexis, he commented, “I followed him as a River Plate fan when he played. I enjoyed watching him every time he represented his national team; he made a difference. To the Chilean brothers, they have a player with a zeal that I hope many Chileans possess, with that mindset, and I hope Chilean football returns to what it once showcased: a love for the game.”

Finally, discussing the differences with other derbies, he said, “In classics, there’s no difference. As a player, if I convey something that I’ve studied, they may not believe me. That’s why I quickly integrate into a story from a certain perspective to convey passion, love, sentiment, and respect. Being part of a story is the most beautiful aspect of football, and derbies make history. I desire this with all my heart. I try to be cautious in my statements, but inside, I feel a tremendous fire.”