CAPARRÓS: "WE WANT TO PUT ON A GOOD FINAL PERFORMANCE AGAINST A GREAT SIDE"

Our Head Coach, Joaquín Caparrós, spoke to the media ahead of our final LaLiga EA Sports fixture of the 2024/25 season, against Villarreal CF. He began by assessing the squad's fitness heading into the match: "Sambi is a doubt, and so is Saúl. He’s been playing through some discomfort for several weeks now. Sow will make an effort to be available. The attitude has been very good, as it was when we first arrived. There’s tension, but it’s driven by a sense of responsibility. I've both enjoyed it and had to put up with the negatives, because I love the club. I know the environment, the fans, the staff. This week we’ve trained with more freedom but the same level of intensity. The boys have made a great impression on a human level."

Looking ahead to the season finale, Caparrós made his intentions clear: "We want to put on a good final performance against a great side. We'd love to have certain players available, but due to injuries and the requirement to use academy players, we’re limited. On the regulatory side, I’ve always disagreed. Then there’s the trip to Casablanca, where there are no registration issues. As for Kike Salas, we’ll respect the legal process. Presumption of innocence must prevail. The players and I have supported him throughout,” he added.

"Sevilla gave me another chance and everyone knows what that means to me"

Looking towards next season, Caparrós called for unity and calmness: "There needs to be calmness and agreement among the board. Above all else stands the badge and the shirt. From there, things can be better planned and handled with more patience. That’s what Sevilla needs and what the fans are asking for." Caparrós also reflected with pride on the club’s survival: "I’ve lived it all with excitement. For Sevilla to give me another chance to lead and be the one in charge, you all know what that means to me. We have done what we needed, even if it wasn't the goal we would have wanted. This club aims for the top in Europe, but this year, staying in the top flight was the target and that is what we have done."

"A convincing and exciting project must be built on calmness and unity. Without that, anxiety and nervousness take over. It’s time for stability, and that’s down to the board." He also took the time to thank his squad: "The players' attitude has been a ten out of ten since day one. If a new coach arrives, I’ll make sure he knows the kind of club he’s coming to - Sevilla FC."

"The players are proud of their responsibility"

"The end goal, though not what was expected at the start of the season, was to stay up. So yes, I'm satisfied. The players are proud of their responsibility. The attitude in training has been top-class. They've brought qualityand intensity, and that's what's made me enjoy being out on the sidelines. I love coaching and managing the emotions of players who, at times, needed a lift." On the sporting side, he lamented key injuries: "We’ve been unfortunate. Two important players - Akor and Rubén - picked up long-term injuries, and they could've made a big difference. We need to reflect on this critically. The injuries came at crucial times."

Finally, he signed off with a heartfelt message: "Sevilla knows I'm always here. True feelings are shown in difficult moments. Love is about stepping up in tough times and prioritising the club ahead of yourself. They are well aware of the feelings that I have towards this club, a club which has given me so much over the years."