Sevilla FC Faces Challenges Amidst Declining Performance

Sevilla FC finds itself trapped in a downward spiral of mediocrity. Over the past month, the team has suffered four consecutive defeats, including an early exit from the cup competition. The initial positive impact of Matías Almeyda, which led to a promising run of results in September, has seemingly dissipated. Since the impressive home victory against Oviedo, the team has reverted to the ineffective form reminiscent of last season, where everything that could go wrong inevitably did.

A win in the match concluding the first half of LaLiga could have allowed Sevilla to match their performance from the previous season. They faced Celta, who, despite being the fourth-best away team in the league, had not triumphed at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán since 2015. However, the hosts repeated their habitual errors, failing to secure even a point, and now find themselves just three points above the relegation zone with increasingly negative sentiments. Unlike the previous loss to Levante, this time the issue wasn’t attitude but rather a complete lack of capability. The team’s problems are mounting while their solutions dwindle.

In recent matches, Sevilla has attempted to engage their opponents aggressively but with limited effectiveness. Their strategy focuses on offensive play, particularly utilizing the flanks, where the emergence of player Oso has provided a glimmer of hope. Yet, despite their efforts, the team struggles to transform this momentum into scoring opportunities. Only Peque actively seeks the ball to stabilize play and facilitate connections in the midfield. Furthermore, the team has lost the organizational structure that characterized their early-season high pressing, leading to frequent defensive vulnerabilities.

Another significant issue plaguing Sevilla is their lack of finishing ability. Following Rubén Vargas’s injury, the team has managed to find the back of the net in only three of the eight matches played. Since the departure of the criticized Akor Adams to the Africa Cup of Nations, they have not scored a single goal. It has been over three months since their current striker, Isaac Romero, last found the net. “You win in football with goals, and it has been a long time since we scored,” Matías Almeyda stated in a press conference, emphasizing the need for a new striker.

Injuries have been a persistent burden for Sevilla. This particular aspect has caused significant headaches for the club in recent years. Consequently, two weeks ago, the club appointed Antonio Tramullas as the new head of medical services, a highly regarded professional in Spain’s sports medicine field.

Key players for Almeyda, including César Azpilicueta, Gabriel Suazo, and Rubén Vargas, have suffered serious injuries that caused them to miss consecutive matches. Additionally, Alexis and Alfon have encountered physical problems, limiting their contributions. With a squad already stretched thin, these absences are increasingly felt and lead to accelerated recovery timelines, resulting in relapses such as that of Vargas.

Sevilla needs to generate around ten million euros to stabilize the club financially, not accounting for potential new signings. To achieve this, a significant player sale is required in the coming weeks. Candidates for departure include José Ángel Carmona, Juanlu Sánchez, Lucien Agoumé, Rubén Vargas, and Isaac Romero.

As previously noted, Matías Almeyda prioritizes acquiring a striker, although he would prefer to strengthen each line of the squad. “Everyone is aware of the financial situation. It is very challenging to reinforce the team,” acknowledges the Argentine. The club’s football director, Antonio Cordón, has successfully freed up roster spots for Álvaro Fernández and Ramón Martínez; however, much work remains, and considering the events of last summer, it would not be surprising if he waits until the final hours of the transfer window.

The entire situation at Sevilla is further complicated by the impending sale of the club. The institutional environment appears to be completely unsustainable, as fan protests against the management continue to escalate in intensity and volume. After various rumors regarding potential foreign investors, only the so-called third option, led by local entrepreneurs Antonio Lappí and Fede Quintero, has made a definitive statement, positioning themselves as an alternative to the current leadership. In early 2026, there was reported interest from Sergio Ramos in taking control of Sevilla, although the player, still active, has not publicly commented on this.

Meanwhile, at Nervión, the first half of the season ends amid frustration, fatigue, and fear of impending disaster. After accumulating just seven points from the last 33 available, Sevilla is determined to avoid succumbing to the chaos that perpetually looms, knowing that the option of changing coaches is already exhausted and that Almeyda currently serves as the sole spokesperson for the club. “This is the team we have, and as long as we have breath, we will fight,” is all Almeyda can promise.