A recent video involving Ramón Rodríguez Verdejo, better known as Monchi, has taken the Sevillian social media scene by storm. On March 24, 2025, a Betis fan confronted the former sporting director of Sevilla FC on the streets of San Fernando, giving him a tongue-in-cheek thank you for what he called a 'tragantá' (a controversial action) that Monchi supposedly directed at Isco Alarcón in late 2022.
The fan's remarks came ahead of the highly anticipated derby between Sevilla FC and Real Betis, escalating the rivalry that permeates Sevillian football. In the video, the fan insinuated that Monchi's altercation with Isco led to the latter's eventual move to Betis, where he has thrived as a key player. The unusual scene saw Monchi responding with his usual wit, "If I had hit Isco for real, he wouldn't be playing football." This quip not only highlighted Monchi’s characteristic humor but also brought into question the infamous circumstances surrounding Isco's departure from Sevilla.
During their interactions, Monchi continued to stir the pot, saying, "We kicked out Isco and won the seventh, or don't you remember?" This statement refers to Sevilla FC's victory in the UEFA Europa League after Isco left the club, a moment that the Betis fan certainly did not forget as he attempted to provoke some discomfort in the director.
Adding to the humor, Monchi concluded with a playful jab at the fan: "See if you win something." This remark only intensified the enduring rivalry between the two clubs, transforming what began as a light-hearted confrontation into a social media spectacle.
The backstory surrounding Monchi and Isco traces back to the tumultuous end of Isco's time in Sevilla during the 2022 World Cup break. Reports from that period indicated a volatile meeting, where Monchi and Isco had a heated exchange, culminating in a decisive break that saw Isco depart from Nervión shortly after.
In July 2023, Isco found a new home with Real Betis, breathing new life into his career. So, amid the ongoing preparations for the Sevilla derby, his performance against his former club becomes a talking point. It all stirs even more anticipation among fans, intrigued by a chance for Isco to showcase his resurgence on the same pitch that witnessed his struggles.
Despite the excitement, reactions from Isco or Real Betis regarding Monchi’s comments remain absent. This silence may come as a strategic choice, allowing them to focus on the competitive edge they need in the derby.
The Sevilla derby, set to unfold on March 30, 2025, promises to be a clash filled with intensity and fervor, amplified by Monchi's words. As both teams jostle for supremacy in what is often regarded as one of the fiercest rivalries in Spanish football, the stakes will undoubtedly be high.
With Monchi's remarks, the already heated atmosphere leading to the match is bound to reach even further levels of tension. Fans of both clubs will be eagerly awaiting the kickoff, not just to see if their team secures a win but to witness how Isco responds on the field to the taunts of his old association with Sevilla and the provocations made by Monchi.
As the countdown to the derby continues, the excitement and passion of the event seem poised to draw even more significant attention, demonstrating just how alive the rivalry remains within the lovers of Spanish football. The Seville match is set to deliver another memorable chapter in the long history of one of Europe's most spirited football rivalries.
