CASTRO: "DIEGO ALONSO HAS MADE A HUGE IMPRESSION"

José Castro appeared in front of the press at Diego Alonso's unveiling as the new head coach of Sevilla FC: The president first spoke on the recent instability in the dugout: "It's not normal but results are the currency of football. We are very grateful to Mendilibar for his work here, for making us European champions again, and this decision has been made because the results haven't been good enough and a club like ours simply cannot accept winning two of 11 games. We have a good squad and things weren't working with the previous coach, so we have found a replacement who has impressed us greatly and whose hunger, ambition and desire were striking during the interview. With respect to all the coaches we have had in the past, this is the one who has made the biggest impression on me. The background work carried out by the sporting director gives us enormous confidence that we have brought in a top coach in Diego Alonso." He also expressed the positive first impression made by the new coach since arriving: "Past experience tells you that anything can happen in football. I don't have a crystal ball, but with his strong preparation and ability, I'm convinced that this appointment will be a success. Only time will tell if this is true."

Castro, who also explained that he had spoken with the vice-president about "the strange situation around the coaching position of Sevilla Atlético, which is expected to change soon," was effusive in his praise of the Uruguayan: "I believe it will go well and anyone saying otherwise is wrong. I think he will bring a lot, he's ready, driven, hungry and straight-talking. He's an ideal coach for us and the situation we're in." Regarding his feelings about his own position, the president added "I'm excited, working as hard as ever for Sevilla FC and tackling whatever issues come my way. We decided that we needed to change the coach, it always hurts to say goodbye to someone like José Luis, but sometimes you have to be decisive... football is like that. The board will convene as always in December, there is no need to call an emergency meeting. We are carrying out our duty and we have always stuck to this." When asked about a potential change in the style of play, Castro reaffirmed that "the coach said it himself. We have to play to win. This is fundamental. Preference for one style or another is secondary to the results and is the responsibility of the team."

To round off, José Castro went on to speak about the likelihood of an imminent announcement on a new sponsor: "There is a good chance we will have confirmation soon, but so long as the contract hasn't been signed there's nothing more I can say aside from it appears to be getting closer."