Kike Salas: 'We're fully behind our manager' as Sevilla face Almeyda suspension
Sevilla defender Kike Salas rallies behind suspended coach Almeyda, discusses recent draws and defensive struggles as Los Nervionenses prepare for Getafe clash.
Sevilla academy product Kike Salas has come out swinging in support of manager Matías Almeyda, who faces a touchline ban following his recent dismissal, declaring the squad’s unwavering loyalty ahead of Sunday’s clash with Getafe.
Backing the boss
Salas, who has started Sevilla’s last seven league matches, didn’t mince his words when asked about Almeyda’s suspension: “We’re fully behind our manager always and we’re grateful that he’s defended us at every moment.”
The young defender, clearly Adam and Eve-ing his current role in the team, addressed the recent controversial refereeing decisions that have frustrated Los Nervionenses. He believes the calls haven’t been going their way lately, with inconsistent standards being applied across different matches.
“Lately everything’s been falling on the opposite side,” Salas explained. “We’re only asking for respect and consistent criteria so everything’s more equal.”
Academy pride
The centre-back spoke passionately about what it means to represent his boyhood club alongside fellow academy graduates:
“For me it’s a source of pride to defend this shirt, as it is for all academy players. We have that responsibility and perhaps it hurts us differently than those who come from elsewhere. We’re aware of what we’re defending.”
Recent form and nerves
Sevilla have drawn their last two home matches against Girona and Alavés, results that Salas admits weren’t ideal but still represented points gained from difficult situations.
The defender acknowledged the team has struggled with nerves at home: “It’s a complicated situation. The coaching staff asks us to stay calm, because I think we’ve made mistakes in many matches by not having composure.”
Personal progress
Salas also touched on his own journey this season, revealing he’d dealt with a pubic injury after the Girona match that hampered him for a period:
“I’ve been working day by day to be ready when my opportunity came. I think I’ve been giving everything for the team and I’m feeling quite good.”
When asked about potential January transfer interest, Salas was adamant about his commitment: “I’m happy here, at the club I’ve loved since childhood. I’m completely focused on my club.”
As Sevilla prepare to face Getafe without their manager on the touchline, Salas’s rallying cry suggests a squad determined to overcome adversity through unity and commitment.