Isaac Romero: Sevilla want a calm week ahead of the Gran Derbi
Sevilla striker Isaac Romero spoke to the press after training ahead of Sunday's Gran Derbi, calling for calm and unity in a big week.
Sevilla’s academy product Isaac Romero stepped up to face the cameras after Wednesday’s training session, and the message was clear: keep your head, do the work, and let Sunday take care of itself.
The Nervionenses are riding a bit of a wave after picking up three points at Getafe, and with the Gran Derbi against Real Betis looming on Sunday, the mood around the city deportiva sounds cautiously optimistic — though Romero was keen to keep things grounded.
Winning momentum, but no getting carried away
The victory at Getafe was significant for a side that’s been looking nervously over their shoulder at the relegation zone. For Romero, it’s not just about the three points — it’s about what it does to the dressing room heading into derby week.
- The win gives the squad a confidence boost at exactly the right moment
- Romero sees it as a springboard, not a reason to get complacent
- The squad are treating this week as special, but deliberately trying not to let it become overwhelming
Closed doors, clear heads
Sevilla have opted for a closed training session in the build-up, and Romero explained the thinking — they want to work on specific things for the match without any outside noise. The idea is to stay tranquil, as he put it about four times, which tells you everything about the vibe they’re going for.
For a lad who’s been in and out of the starting XI, Romero was refreshingly honest about his situation. He’s not sulking on the bench — he says he’s grafting every day and waiting for his moment. Fair play to him for keeping that attitude.
Lessons from the last derbi
Romero came off the bench in the previous meeting between the two sides and, by his own admission, came on with a bit too much adrenaline. He’s not hiding from it — he called it a learning experience, which is exactly the kind of mature response you want from a young striker.
No favourites, despite the table
Betis currently sit above Sevilla in the standings, but Romero wasn’t having any of the favourites chat. Derby football is different, he argued — form goes out the window, and anything can happen over 90 minutes. It’s a fair point, even if it’s also the kind of thing every player says before a derby.
Almeyda’s absence and trust in Javi García
With manager Matías Almeyda serving a touchline ban, assistant Javi García will be in the dugout again. Romero was supportive, noting that last time it happened things went well, and the whole squad backs García to handle it.
The bigger picture
Beyond the derby, Romero’s message to his teammates was simple: stick together, keep working, and grind your way up the table. For a club of Sevilla’s stature sitting where they are in the league, that’s not a comfortable message to have to deliver — but at least someone’s saying it out loud.
If Sevilla can channel that collective spirit on Sunday, they might just give the Béticos something to worry about.