In a dramatic turn of events, Sevilla FC is set to face Deportivo Alavés today, April 20, 2025, under the guidance of their new coach Joaquín Caparrós. This match comes at a crucial time for the team, as they aim to break a streak of four consecutive defeats that has left them languishing in 14th place, just seven points above the relegation zone. The pressure is palpable, and a victory is essential not just for points, but for the morale of a squad that has been struggling both on and off the field.
Caparrós, who is taking the reins for the fourth time in his career, has a challenging task ahead. He inherits a team that has suffered losses to Athletic, Betis, Atlético, and Valencia, and is further weakened by the absence of key players like Nianzou, Vargas, and Adams, who are out for the season. Additionally, Kike Salas is suspended, forcing Caparrós to make significant adjustments to his lineup.
In his latest squad announcement, Caparrós has called up 24 players, including promising youth talents such as Isra, a winger, and Hormigo, a left-back. Other youth players making the cut are goalkeeper Alberto Flores, centre-back Ramón Martínez, midfielder Manu Bueno, and forward Leandro Antonetti. The complete squad features a mix of experienced and young players, including Nyland, Álvaro Fernández, Carmona, Badé, Gudelj, Marcao, Pedrosa, Agoumé, Sow, Lokonga, Saúl, Juanlu, Suso, Ejuke, Idumbo, Lukebakio, Peque, and Isaac Romero.
Caparrós's return to the club is not just about tactics; it represents an emotional reconciliation with the fans, who have expressed their discontent with the current board led by José María del Nido Carrasco. The fans have been vocal in their protests, demanding changes at the top, and have even planned demonstrations outside the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán stadium before today’s match.
During a recent press conference, Caparrós acknowledged the fans' right to protest but emphasized his focus on the team’s performance. "I have not returned to be a shield for the board, but to try to straighten the course of the team," he stated. His call for unity is clear: he wants the fans to support the players throughout the match, from the first minute to the last, in hopes of creating an atmosphere that fosters victory.
The situation surrounding Sevilla FC is tense. The club has been in turmoil due to poor performances and questionable decision-making, particularly in the transfer market, where none of the nine forwards signed by sporting director Víctor Orta in the past two seasons have managed to score in LaLiga. This has left the team without a reliable attacking option, especially after the departure of Youssef En-Nesyri.
Mariano Díaz, who played 260 minutes without scoring, Alejo Véliz, who saw only 31 minutes of action, and Kelechi Iheanacho, who has been labeled a failure, are among the forwards who have not delivered. The only bright spot in the current squad has been Lukebakio, who has emerged as a key player, but the overall lack of firepower has contributed to the team’s struggles.
Caparrós’s experience is expected to be a vital asset as he attempts to restore confidence in the team. He previously led Sevilla to success in the early 2000s, helping the club rise from the Second Division to a competitive force in European football. His last stint as coach in 2018 saw the team finish seventh and secure a spot in European competitions.
As the match against Alavés approaches, the stakes could not be higher. With only seven games remaining in the season, every point is crucial for Sevilla’s survival in LaLiga. Caparrós's leadership style is characterized by pragmatism and directness, and he will need to instill these qualities in his players quickly.
In a statement that reflects his commitment to the club and its supporters, Caparrós said, "We carry the name of the city, and that must be clear." His return is seen as a potential turning point, not just for the team’s performance but for healing the rift between the fans and the club’s management.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, the atmosphere at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán is charged with anticipation. Fans hope that Caparrós can rekindle the spirit of Sevilla FC and steer the team away from the brink of relegation. The match against Alavés is not just another game; it’s a battle for pride, survival, and the future of the club itself.
In conclusion, today’s encounter is more than just a fixture on the calendar. It’s a chance for Caparrós to prove his worth and for Sevilla FC to reclaim its identity amidst the chaos. Will the team rise to the occasion and deliver a much-needed victory? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the passionate Sevilla fans will be there, hoping for a turnaround and ready to support their team through thick and thin.
