Sevilla's Football Director Antonio Cordón: "It Was the Right Moment for This Change"

During the official presentation of Luis García Plaza as Sevilla's new head coach, Football Director Antonio Cordón addressed the media to shed light on the club's current situation. Cordón admitted to "difficult days" involving intense internal debates and the necessity to "accept the reality" of their predicament. He highlighted a disappointing return of just seven points from a possible twenty-four, asserting that the upcoming international break provided "the right moment to make this change."

It's been difficult days, during which we've had to debate internally.

Antonio Cordón

Cordón extended his gratitude to Matías Almeyda and his entire staff for their contributions. He commended Almeyda's bravery for joining the club during a challenging period, both economically and sportingly. Cordón acknowledged that both he and Almeyda were aware of the potential for numerous ups and downs, with the primary goal always being to secure the team's top-flight status as quickly as possible. He recognized Almeyda for leaving a significant professional and personal legacy within the dressing room, which he believes should serve as a foundation for everyone.

We've lost a coach who contributed a lot to the dressing room and left us a professional and personal legacy that should also serve as a basis for everyone.

Antonio Cordón

Explaining the reasons behind the coaching shift, Cordón stated these were internal decisions based on the crucial reality of having only nine matchdays left to accumulate the necessary points. He reiterated that if such a change was to occur, now was the opportune moment, expressing the collective pain involved in making this difficult sporting decision.

Cordón openly expressed his frustration, remarking, "I'm gutted. Changing a coach is not an option one would desire during a season, especially with a coach we envisioned for a longer-term project." He emphasized the importance of looking forward, dedicating the next two months to intensive work with the ultimate goal of ensuring the team's survival in the top division.

I'm gutted. Changing a coach is not an option one would desire during a season.

Antonio Cordón

The selection of García Plaza was a swift process, though Cordón noted that the club consistently prepares for any potential personnel changes. The decision was finalized quickly after the match against Valencia, as the club determined that Luis García Plaza, along with his staff, possessed the ideal profile, experience, and professionalism to achieve their objectives.

We believe Luis is the right person, the coach and the professional, along with his staff, to achieve the objective.

Antonio Cordón

Regarding player movements, Cordón confirmed a preliminary agreement with Patrik Mercado, which is contingent upon a successful medical examination. This move is a priority, with a final decision slated for June following the medical review.

Cordón accepted personal responsibility for Almeyda's initial appointment, admitting he was one of the strongest advocates for bringing him to Sevilla. He had believed it was the right time to initiate a new project with Almeyda, whom he saw as a courageous, compassionate, and wise leader capable of enriching the group. Despite Almeyda bravely taking on a very complicated situation, the gamble didn't pay off. Cordón wished him the best, confident he would succeed wherever he went, and acknowledged his dissatisfaction when such a "bet" doesn't yield the desired results, but remained optimistic about the club's position by June.

I will not evade responsibilities, I was one of those who most wanted to bring [Almeyda] in.

Antonio Cordón

Reflecting on the winter transfer market, Cordón stated he constantly strives for improvement, always feeling he could do more. He explained that strict economic constraints dictated their actions, and the club "invested every last euro" possible to bring in a striker, indicating the limits of their financial flexibility at the time.

We have invested every last euro to bring in a striker, because it wasn't possible for more.

Antonio Cordón

Almeyda's departure stemmed from an internal analysis, primarily driven by the urgent need for immediate results. Cordón understands how football operates, where anxieties mount as time runs out. He clarified that despite the decision, he maintained continuous, positive communication with Matías, who always demonstrated immense enthusiasm, drive, and determination to overcome the challenges.

Cordón emphasized that player signings are a collective club effort, not solely his responsibility. He stated that when the squad's performance falls short, the focus shifts entirely to maximizing their output to achieve the crucial goal of avoiding relegation.

Asserting his commitment, Cordón declared that he would not "throw in the towel." He expressed a strong desire to ensure Sevilla remains in the Primera División. While acknowledging that a season can present many unforeseen challenges, he conveyed his absolute conviction, shared by the club, that the situation will improve – hence the decision to make the coaching change.

I feel very eager to keep Sevilla in the First Division.

Antonio Cordón

Finally, Cordón suggested that the coaching staff is best positioned to analyze the squad's performance in detail. From an administrative perspective, results and league standings are key indicators, and in football, poor outcomes often lead to perceptions of underperformance. However, he also noted the team's inconsistency, citing a recent match where they underperformed for 40 minutes before transforming in the subsequent 45. He expressed confidence that the new staff, led by Luis García Plaza, with their extensive experience in such situations, will successfully motivate the squad to perform at its peak.