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Graham Hunter
Multiple Authors
In a move that surprises no one, Sevilla is on the hunt for their 15th head coach in just under a decade. This reflects a troubling trend for a club once known for its success and prestige in LaLiga.
The current situation for a club that has secured seven major European titles in the last twenty years is bleak: they face relegation threats, internal conflict, mismanagement, and a growing divide with fans.
Whether Luis García Plaza is the one to step in as head coach or not, anyone attempting to salvage Sevilla’s remaining nine LaLiga games faces an uphill battle—just three points separate them from relegation for the first time in 25 years.
It’s certainly not Sergio Ramos who will be taking the helm—of that, there is no doubt.
Amidst the turmoil, Sevilla’s passionate and demanding supporters can hardly be blamed for wanting their prodigal son back in charge, despite past grievances, as they yearn for a turnaround.
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Ramos’s deep-rooted connection to Sevilla began in his youth, but his brief stint before becoming Florentino Pérez’s first Spanish acquisition at Real Madrid left a bitter taste among fans.
Frequent visits to the Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán during his time with Los Blancos only fueled resentment, especially among the fervent Biri Biri ultras.
Even upon his return to Sevilla in the 2023-24 season (under Quique Sánchez Flores) when they ended up 14th, many fans remained skeptical, expressing their disapproval during matches.
However, times have changed dramatically.
Whether Ramos, backed by an investment of €450 million, can effectively steer the club back to stability remains to be seen.
However, many fans are clearly exhausted with the club’s mismanagement, both on and off the pitch.
Compounded by their local rivals, Real Betis, experiencing success with a Copa del Rey title, a European final, and strong positioning for Champions League qualification, Sevilla’s current woes are deeply felt.
In a time when Sevilla lacks quality, heart, and resolve, the notion of Ramos—fierce, driven, and a local hero—taking charge is incredibly appealing to the majority of Los Rojiblancos’ fans.
Behind the scenes, whoever takes control from the current major shareholders will face a daunting task of rebuilding.
First, there’s been significant mismanagement in the transfer market.
The squad’s quality has dwindled considerably since their last European triumph in 2023, which came under José Luis Mendilibar, who led the team to their record seventh UEFA Cup/Europa League title while steering them clear of relegation.
Just three years ago, Sevilla featured numerous World Cup winners and seasoned players who brought experience and success to the club.
Currently, the new coach will inherit a group of indifferent players whose main distinguishing traits seem to be their stature and physicality, rather than skill or tactical awareness.
Fortunately, Victor Orta, the one architect of this lackluster squad, has been dismissed, and the technical department is now focused on promoting youth talent from the academy. However, the team is severely lacking in skill, composure under pressure, and the capability to secure wins.
Moreover, if Sevilla manages to avoid relegation, they will still face the challenge of having the second-lowest salary cap in LaLiga, making it incredibly difficult to attract quality talent. If relegation does occur, the situation will only worsen.
This state of affairs starkly contrasts with the last couple of decades when astute scouting and captivating project prospects played crucial roles in the club’s success, leading to a total of 12 major trophies following a historic drought.
As Sevilla experiences this humiliation, Ramos, along with his investment group, is reportedly scrutinizing the club’s finances closely. They are engaging with major shareholder groups, outlining a proposed share price and vision for revitalizing the struggling club. The implications of potential relegation on this offer remain unclear but would undoubtedly have negative repercussions on share value.
For whoever ultimately takes on the coaching responsibilities, the outlook is grim.
Sevilla has crucial matches ahead, facing teams like Real Oviedo and Levante who are also fighting against relegation. They’ll also contend with Atlético Madrid, along with strong contenders Real Sociedad and Osasuna. Their final three games seem daunting with matches against Real Madrid, Villarreal, and Celta Vigo.
Since December, Sevilla has managed only six points from a possible 39, is currently LaLiga’s third-worst team at home, and holds the unwelcome title of the team with the most goals conceded.
Sevilla’s president, José María del Nido Carrasco—the son of the club’s most successful president—acknowledged the club’s dire situation, stating: “I have a clear conscience knowing we’ve followed the roadmap we’re supposed to.”
He noted the challenges of being in the public eye amid intense criticism, mentioning: “Every night I ask myself if it’s worth continuing to lead Sevilla … but I accept being the villain in this story.”
He admitted his past decision to block Ramos’s return without compensation during the previous transfer window.
Regarding the prospect of Ramos taking the reins, Del Nido expressed: “The shareholders are Sevilla fans, and they want what’s best for the club. The day they inform me that I have to leave, I’ll leave.”
Ramos welcomed the New Year of 2026 on social media, sharing hopes for opportunities and dreams to be fulfilled.
Should Sevilla face relegation, it would present an opportunity to buy the club at a lower price, but it would come with no joy and would contradict Ramos’s dreams.
A turbulent few weeks lie ahead for Sevilla and their increasingly anxious supporters—could the solution come from their once-disfavored son, Sergio Ramos?