Almeyda's honest approach: 'Dialogue and truths' key to Sevilla's survival battle
Sevilla manager Matías Almeyda speaks candidly about team spirit, youth development and the transfer situation ahead of crucial Athletic Bilbao clash.
Sevilla boss Matías Almeyda is keeping it real as his side prepare for a crucial home fixture against Athletic Bilbao, emphasizing the importance of honest communication within the club during these challenging times.
Straight-talking approach
The Argentine manager revealed his working relationship with sporting director Víctor Cordón is built on transparency: “If something is characterizing us, it’s dialogue and truths between us.” This candid approach comes as Sevilla navigate difficult waters, with Almeyda acknowledging the club’s financial constraints in the transfer market.
Despite the lack of January reinforcements, Almeyda refuses to make excuses, expressing faith in his current squad: “I trust the group I have. I’ve said a thousand times I won’t make any kind of excuse. I’m happy with the players I coach.”
Youth getting their chance
Almeyda highlighted his commitment to youth development, with several academy products featuring recently:
- Nico Guillén impressed in pre-season, even scoring a goal
- Sierra and Oso have been training regularly with the first team
- “If something has characterized me, it’s always bringing through players from below”
This focus on homegrown talent isn’t just a response to difficult circumstances, according to Almeyda, but part of his footballing philosophy.
Fan pressure and perspective
With supporter protests expected amid Sevilla’s struggles, Almeyda showed remarkable perspective:
“I’m happy, I’m alive. After what we’ve said about the tragedies that have happened, this is football. Since my father’s death, I’ve approached life from another place, accepting that football has three results: win, draw and loss.”
He understands the fans’ frustrations, noting they’re “accustomed in the last twenty years to winning everything” while the current reality is different. However, he believes once the whistle blows, the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán faithful will back the team.
Athletic challenge
Looking ahead to Thursday’s fixture, Almeyda was respectful of Bilbao, describing them as “a team with great players, a great coach with lots of experience” and emphasizing they’re “a Champions League team” despite their domestic form.
Sevilla enter the match having rescued a point at Elche last time out, which Almeyda valued highly: “Each point for us is gold.” The gaffer’s bread and butter right now is keeping his side’s heads above water in what’s turning into a right old dogfight.