Why has the Shine come off Sevilla?

Hassan Chamas

Every year, a new football club emerges on the scenes of European football, challenging normal title contenders, and giving them a run for their money. Well, much like the resurrection of FC Barcelona in 2003, 2005 was the turn of Andalucian side FC Sevilla.

Normally, Sevilla were regarded as the “second team” of Andalucía, falling behind everlasting rivals Real Betis. However, since their permanent establishment in the Spanish top flight in the 1999-2000 season, Sevilla became quickly an improving powerhouse, assembling a suitable squad that could contend for domestic and European glory.

Much like Real Madrid’s former President Florentino Perez, and current Barcelona Supremo Joan Laporta, new team President José Maria del Nido brought fiscal stability to the team, and assembled a competent and talented squad, composed of a mixture of homegrown players, such as winger Jesus Navas and new Spanish sensation Diego Capel, and established players, such as custodian Andrés Palop, Malian striker Frédéric Kanouté, and Brazilian trio Daniel Alves, Renato, and Luis Fabiano.

More importantly, much like French giants Lyon, Sevilla managed to sell important first team players without the standard of their play being affected. Such names that spring to mind include the Brazilian Julio Baptista, and homegrown club heroes José Antonio Reyes and Sergio Ramos, all for the impressive combined price tag of approximately €61 million.

The 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 seasons were the best ever in the club’s history. In 2006, they managed to win the UEFA Cup, the first European title Sevilla had managed to obtain since its creation in 1905. This was followed by the UEFA Super Cup in the same year, beating league title holders and Champions league winners Barcelona.

2007 was even a more productive year for Sevilla: They managed to win the Copa Del Rey, the Spanish Super Cup, and won the UEFA Cup for the second year in a row, an accomplishment only equaled by Real Madrid in 1985 and 1986.

Indeed, by 2007, and after being installed as the top club in international football by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS), it was a great thing to be a Rojiblanco. However, Sevilla have greatly suffered in all competitions this season: After 26 rounds, they sit in seventh place in La Liga, with a modest 39 points, 20 points behind current leaders and defending champions Real Madrid. They have been knocked out of the cup by Barcelona, and have also exited in the last 16 round of the Champions League, losing narrowly on penalties to Turkish side Fenerbahce after both games ended 3-2.

What went wrong?

The summer of 2007 was a one to forget for Sevilla. Their worries began almost immediately after the transfer window opened on July 1^st, with several players attracted by European giants, capable of tripling their current salary. The most important is, of course, Brazilian Daniel Alves.

By that time, Alves, a fiery full-back capable of operating perfectly at on either side, had established himself as one of, if not the best right-back in world. Alves, known for his explosive shots and fast bursts along the flanks, was the subject of interest from Chelsea, and their Russian oil tycoon Roman Abramovich. The Blues, eager to fill the right-back slot went to the best man they could find. However Sevilla president del Nido refused to sell the Brazilian for anything less than the hefty price tag of €35 million, a sum Abramovich simply refused to pay. By then, this had driven Alves mad, saying Sevilla stepped in his way of joining a major European team, and along the way, caused disrupting in the Andalucian side’s dressing room.

Another huge blow that Sevilla have had to deal with is the unexpected death of left sided wing-back Antonio Puerta, who collapsed on August 25^th, 2007, in the first league match of the season against Getafe. Puerta, who suffered a cardiac arrest, had to be substituted during the game. He then collapsed again in the dressing room, and died three days later.

 

Also, after coach Juande Ramos left for Tottenham Hotspur, Sevilla clearly seemed like a headless body. They have racked up 11 defeats so far in the league, the most recent being a 1-2 loss against relegation strugglers Deportivo La Coruna. Their attack has been good this season, but in contrast, they have a weak defence, with 35 goals conceded up until now.

Light at the end of the tunnel?

With 13 rounds to go, it seems to be that the title race will be between Real Madrid and Barcelona yet again this season. However, for Sevilla to rediscover that “Never Say Die” attitude that allowed them to stay in contention for last season’s title until the very last day, they need to quickly shape up.

Just like Dani Alves last year, Sevilla have another sensation this season, in the form of Brazilian striker Luis Fabiano. At 27, the player has simply come to life this campaign, where he stands in pole position as this year’s Pichichí (best striker), amassing an incredible 19 goals so far, 5 clear of Real Zaragoza’s Diego Milito, and last year’s winner Ruud Van Nistelrooy is 7 behind.  Along with Kanouté, they form the best striking partnership in Spain this season. They have also a lot of homegrown players that are hungry for success, notably the impressive Diego Capel, a certain future player for the Spanish National Team.

This, along with some rediscovered team unity, can give a massive boost to Sevilla, as they are only 5 points behind a Champions League qualifying position, and can make sure that the team is reinserted in the “Top Teams” group in La Liga.

Finally another important issue is that of the coach. Caretaker manager Manolo Jiménez has proven that he is simply not championship material. And with the Lippis, Mourinhos, Ancelottis, and Rijkaards all rumored to be moving this summer, Sevilla have an opportunity to make sure the secure a quality coach that will ensure their glory days continue.