Joaquín Caparrós has returned to the helm of Sevilla FC, marking his fourth stint as the club's head coach. This time, he steps in with the urgent mission of steering the team to safety in the final stretch of LaLiga, starting with a crucial match against Alavés this Sunday, April 20, 2025. The atmosphere at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán stadium has been tense, and Caparrós is expected to alleviate some of that pressure with his experience and deep connection to the club.
Caparrós, who previously took charge of Sevilla in 2000, 2018, and 2019, has always arrived during challenging times. His first tenure helped the team achieve promotion when they were in dire financial straits, famously described by then-president Roberto Alés as a club with “not even enough for balls.” In 2018, he returned to secure a European spot for Sevilla after a disappointing exit from continental competition in Prague. A year later, he aimed to guide the team back toward the upper echelons of the table. Now, with Sevilla struggling at the bottom of the league, his task is even more critical.
The club's management hopes that Caparrós' appointment will not only stabilize the team but also rekindle the supporters' passion. The fans have been restless, and the atmosphere has been described as almost unbearable in recent matches, particularly following disappointing performances against Athletic Club and Atlético de Madrid. A win against Alavés would virtually secure Sevilla's place in LaLiga for next season, a much-needed relief for a club that has seen better days.
Alavés, on the other hand, comes into this match needing points of their own. Despite a narrow defeat to Real Madrid, they remain outside the relegation zone, but the pressure is mounting. Their defense is notably weakened, missing key players like Aqbar due to injury, and Mourinho and Manu Sánchez due to suspensions. This situation presents a potential opportunity for Caparrós and Sevilla to capitalize on Alavés’ vulnerabilities.
Caparrós is expected to employ a classic 4-4-2 formation, which has been a hallmark of his coaching style. While he will be without Kike Salas, who is suspended, he plans to include youth players such as Carmona, Isaac, and Juanlu in his lineup. This decision reflects his commitment to not only stabilize the current squad but also to build for the future.
The excitement surrounding Caparrós' return is palpable, and former president José María del Nido Benavente has publicly expressed his support. In a passionate message, he stated, “Your luck is ours,” emphasizing the belief that Caparrós’ success could signal a turnaround for the club. However, he did not shy away from criticizing the current management, accusing them of leading Sevilla to “absolute ruin.” Del Nido called for the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán to become a “pressure cooker,” urging fans to rally behind the team while also expressing their discontent with the club's leadership.
As the match approaches, fans are eager to see how Caparrós will impact players like Suso, who has struggled for form this season. Once a key figure in Sevilla’s Europa League triumph under coach Mendilibar, Suso found himself marginalized, with just 174 minutes of play this season. However, Caparrós’ arrival has revitalized the winger, who now feels valued and supported. Caparrós has made it clear that he counts on Suso for the critical matches ahead, highlighting his exemplary attitude and willingness to contribute.
Suso, whose contract with Sevilla is set to expire in about a month, aims to finish his time at the club on a high note. He has expressed determination to prove his worth on the pitch, hoping to bid farewell in a manner befitting his talent and contributions to the team.
The upcoming clash with Alavés is more than just a match; it represents a pivotal moment for Sevilla FC. With Caparrós back in charge, fans are hopeful that his leadership will inspire a turnaround in fortunes. The stakes are high, as every point counts in these final seven matches of LaLiga, which are being treated as finals for survival.
As the game unfolds, the energy at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán will undoubtedly reflect the hopes and frustrations of a passionate fanbase eager for success. Will Caparrós be able to guide Sevilla to victory and secure their place in the league? The answer lies in the performance on the pitch, where every player will need to rise to the occasion and deliver when it matters most.
