Joaquín Caparrós, the legendary former coach of Sevilla FC, recently shared his thoughts about the current state of the club during his appearance on the podcast 'Sevillanía,' hosted by Rafa Almansa. Known for his straightforward approach, Caparrós emphasized the importance of unity within the club as they face challenges on and off the pitch.
Speaking candidly, Caparrós compared the current squads of Sevilla and their longstanding rivals, Real Betis. He confidently stated, "El Sevilla tiene mejor plantilla que el Betis," expressing his belief not only in the quality of Sevilla's players but also calling attention to their depth. Citing the likes of Badé and Lukebakio, who have attracted significant transfer offers, he highlighted the presence of numerous international players within the team as evidence of their competitive edge.
Caparrós’s remarks came amid concerns after Sevilla's recent struggles, including disappointing results which have put them far from European qualification. His take? Sevilla should focus internally and maintain solidarity, especially when presenting themselves to the public. He remarked, "El mensaje que tiene que dar el club es de unidad, las críticas hacia adentro," reinforcing his belief about the need for internal discussions to stay positive externally. His rationale is clear: when management, coaching staff, and players project confidence and cohesion, it positively impacts the fans and overall team performance.
Additionally, Caparrós offered support for Víctor Orta, Sevilla's director of football, acknowledging the difficulties of managing a team with elevated salary levels and the intricacies involved. He made it clear: "No es ningún dardo a Monchi, todos los sevillistas estamos agradecidos por lo que ha conseguido," pointing out the collective gratitude fans hold for past successes brought about by the club’s management.
Caparrós, who has always shown unwavering commitment to Sevilla, went on to address the situation concerning the club's youth academy. With economic pressures leading to tighter transfer budgets, he believes investing time and resources, particularly in developing youth talents, is pivotal for Sevilla's future. He stated, "Hay que sentarse en una mesa por el bien del Sevilla," urging the stakeholders to engage directly about their ambitions and strategies to restore the club's stature.
Reflecting on his deep ties to Sevilla, Caparrós maintained he is willing to return to the club if needed, declaring, "Si el Sevilla me dice 'ven', yo lo dejo todo." His willingness to support the club resonates with fans who know his historical importance and loyalty to the colors he wears with pride.
The current tumult within the club, exacerbated by recent defeats, poses difficult times, yet Caparrós sees potential for growth, unity, and rejuvenation. He stressed the importance of keeping the team's image intact, advocating for peaceful dialogues among club members to mend any divides. He has noted the effect internal discord can have on the larger team atmosphere, emphasizing, "Unidad y familia, es el mensaje que se tiene que dar," to echo the sentiment of solidarity within the fanbase and the club itself.
Caparrós, who has been involved with Sevilla for years and understands its fabric well, concluded by reiteratively urging everyone associated with the club to maintain focus on what brings unity and success: their shared ambition for excellence. He passionately remarked about Sevilla’s historic mantle, insisting, "Por encima de todo está el escudo, está una historia y hay mucha gente detrás," reminding everyone of the legacy tied to the club and the responsibilities they share to uphold its reputation.
With significant leadership challenges present, Joaquín Caparrós's input reminds us of the human element involved; the connections formed on and off the pitch can either forge magnificent success or disarray. He stands ready, as always, to fight the battles alongside Sevilla FC, hoping to guide them back toward the heights they have historically known.