Coach tells of first encounter when Messi was 16‘I took man-marker off and Messi scored four’Luis de la Fuente says he will not man-mark Lionel Messi in the World Cup final, even though the Argentina captain has scored eight times and provided four assists and the Spain coach’s own experience suggests it might not be a bad idea.In the buildup to Sunday’s final in New Jersey, De la Fuente told the story of the first time he encountered Messi, 22 years ago, when the Argentinian was a 16-year-old coming through at Barcelona, he was the youth-team coach at Sevilla and the under-19 cup draw brought them together in the last 16 in May 2004 at the Miniestadi. Continue reading...

Narey’s goal at the World Cup in 1982 was a spectacular, unexpected and beautiful strike. But was it a toe poke?By That 1980s Sports BlogIf you are going to score one international goal, you might as well make it special. José Luis Brown scoring for Argentina in the 1986 World Cup final takes some beating. Kieran Trippier scored his only England goal in a World Cup semi-final. Gary Mackay’s only goal for Scotland helped the Republic of Ireland reach Euro 88. And the general hilarity of Davide Gualtieri’s sole strike for San Marino ensures that it lives on in the memory.Another player who can be added to this list is David Narey. His only goal for Scotland was a screamer against Brazil at the 1982 World Cup. The response to Narey’s moment of glory has added to its impact. Little did he know the story his right boot was about to tell as he let fly on that sweltering evening in Sevilla. Continue reading...

As the managerial merry-go-round swings into motion this summer, two this season’s La Liga clubs have announced that their coaches will continue, despite doubts over recent performances. RCD Mallorca will hold onto Martin Demichelis, despite the fact the Argentine took them down on the final weekend of La Liga.This week it has been confirmed that Inigo Perez will leave Rayo Vallecano at the end of his contract this summer, and Eder Sarabia surprised Elche fans by announcing that he would be resigning, despite keeping Los Franjiverdes up. Michel Sanchez is expected to take over at Ajax after leaving relegated Girona, failing to beat Elche on the final day.RCD Mallorca announce contract extension for Martin DemichelisDemichelis initially sparked a reaction from Los Bermellones, but Mallorca struggled down the stretch, losing to Levante, Alaves and Getafe in the final four games, which ultimately damned them to relegation. Mallorca have now announced that he has signed a new deal until 2028, giving him a chance to return Mallorca to their La Liga status. For his part, Demichelis had mentioned a desire to stay even if Mallorca descended during the season.Espanyol back Manolo Gonzalez despite downturnMeanwhile Espanyol have also announced an extension until 2027 for manager Manolo Gonzalez. His position came under heavy pressure during a winless run in 2026 that extended for 19 games, but two wins from their final three games kept them up. Monchi has arrived as a General Sporting Director, and it was thought that he could look to replace Gonzalez, but he has been backed instead. An emotional Gonzalez was shown to have the backing of the players and fans in the closing stages.Jose Bordalas mulling over futureOne of the names that Espanyol were linked to was Getafe manager Jose Bordalas. He is also out of contract this summer, and was expected to leave, but the Espanyol job will not be offered to him. The other opening he has been linked to is Sevilla, but with Sergio Ramos’ takeover talks breaking down, that option could be off the table too. Diario AS report that this week will be crucial in deciding his future, and he will take a decision on Monday. Bordalas could yet renew with Getafe, who he guided to the Conference League this season.The post Two clubs announce extensions for managers as Jose Bordalas mulls over future appeared first on Football España.

Sevilla’s future has been plunged into uncertainty after talks with a consortium led by Sergio Ramos to take over the club have collapsed. The former defender and his group of investors had been talks for months, but it looks as if a deal will not come to fruition. Los Nervionenses have been a hotbed of malcontent for some time, with the fans regularly expressing their frustration with the current board of directors over the past three years. It looked as if an end to their conflict was in sight, following Ramos’ bid for the club. Yet it seems that the deal is for the time being off.Sergio Ramos bid to take over Sevilla collapsesAs explained by El Correo de Andalucía (via Sport), the purchasing group Five Eleven have altered the conditions of the original proposal that was agreed in January. they were set to pay €450m for 86,000 shares, taking the majority control of the club. Yet after conducting their due diligence, they have reportedly changed their offer.Having examined Sevilla’s accounts, the reported new offer was closer to around €250m for 30,000 shares, and payment schedule over the next year. This would give Ramos and Five Eleven a say in decision-making without taking full control of the club, and is set to be rejected by the majority shareholders.Sevilla in limbo due to ownership talksIt does leave Sevilla in something a difficult position, with no project in place. Manager Luis Garcia Plaza is awaiting word from the club on his continuity, with his deal running until 2027, but there has been talk Ramos was keen on poaching Getafe manager Jose Bordalas, but he too is in limbo. Understandably, Sevilla had put off making decisions about next season due to the takeover bid. Sporting Director Antonio Cordon has also left the club after it was decided he would not continue.The post Sergio Ramos deal to purchase Sevilla collapses as uncertainty reigns appeared first on Football España.

Barcelona will be busy this summer, with the plan being for big-money signings to be made – although these must be bankrolled by exits, given the club’s well-documented financial issues.The idea is for big money to be spend on a new centre-back and striker, while progress is also being made towards a deal for Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon. Barcelona believe they can sign all of their desired targets, although there must be players moved on to help their cause.And with Gordon possibly coming in, it’s natural that one or two wingers could be on their way out. Roony Bardghji is a candidate to leave, and the same can now be said for La Masia talent Toni Fernandez, with MD reporting that he’s attracting interest from Sevilla.Fernandez, who has been on the radar of Flick for some time despite only being 17 years of age, is keen to make the step-up from Barca Atletic this summer. If it becomes clear that a first team promotion won’t be considered – which would be almost certain if Gordon arrives – then it is very likely that he moves on.Barcelona have a big decision to make with FernandezSevilla will have seen the success of Jan Virgili, who left Barcelona last summer for Mallorca, as an indication that going to La Masia could be worthwhile. Sergio Ramos, who is set to purchase a leading stake in his boyhood club, is of this opinion, as he is the one that is driving the Andalusians’ interest in the teenager.If it is decided that Fernandez does leave Barcelona this summer, it is almost certain that they will seek to retain control of his future – either with a significant sell-on clause or a buy-back option. Either way, it would be a big surprise if the Catalans didn’t continue having a say, given the talent that the teenage winger possesses.The post Sevilla line up Barcelona forward as first signing of Sergio Ramos era appeared first on Football España.

A round-up of the nine games that took place simultaneously on Saturday night, with results that saw relegation confirmed for Girona and Mallorca.Valencia 3-1 Barcelona #ValenciaBarça 3-1 | FINAL DEL PARTIDO#ADNVCF pic.twitter.com/azuL7yee9M — Valencia CF (@valenciacf) May 23, 2026Valencia came from behind to defeat champions Barcelona at Mestalla, with the full match report here.Real Betis 2-1 LevanteDespite losing at Real Betis, Levante confirmed their place in La Liga for a second successive season. It was a dreadful start for the visitors when Ez Abde opened the scoring after five minutes, but they hit back later in the first half courtesy of star striker Carlos Espi. Som Som Som de Primera Divisió #LevanteUD pic.twitter.com/Qx3QiPa3Yx — Levante UD (@LevanteUD) May 23, 2026Betis would go back in front on 68 minutes courtesy of Pablo Fornals, but it mattered little in the end as other results going their way meant that Levante survive.Real Madrid 4-2 Athletic ClubIt was a quite remarkable evening at the Bernabeu, where Real Madrid defeated Athletic Club in a six-goal thriller. The full match report is here.Alaves 1-2 Rayo VallecanoRayo Vallecano geared up for their UEFA Conference League final with an impressive come-from-behind victory at Mendizorroza, but in order to play in Europe next season, they’ll need to win in Leipzig after falling short in La Liga.Toni Martinez opened the scoring for the hosts, but Inigo Perez’s side would respond in the second half with goals from Sergio Camello and Randy Nteka. However, that was only enough for Rayo to finish 8th.Getafe 1-0 OsasunaGetafe ended their fairytale season in fine style on Sunday, as they got the required victory to seal their place in the 2026-27 UEFA Conference League – while Osasuna were also left celebrating after confirming survival. Full match report is here.Girona 1-1 ElcheAfter four seasons in La Liga, Girona have dropped down to Segunda after failing to overcome Elche, who in turn sealed their spot in the Spanish top flight. The visitors struck the first blow through Alvaro Rodriguez, and although Arnau Martinez responded soon after half time, the Catalans could not find the second goal they needed to keep them up.It marks an end to a poor season for Girona, who many had expected to finish in the top half. They’ll lose a large number of players in the summer, while head coach Michel Sanchez is also set to move on.Celta Vigo 1-0 SevillaCelta finalised 6th place with a victory over Sevilla, meaning that Europa League football will be back at Balaidos next season. It took until the second half for Claudio Giraldez’s side to break through, with the only goal of the game scored by midfielder Ilaix Moriba. SOMOS DE EUROPA LEAGUE Pechamos a tempada con VI-TO-RIA e segunda clasificación europea consecutiva GRANDE, EQUIPO GRANDE, AFECCIÓN!#CeltaSevilla ⋄ #VoltarAVoltar pic.twitter.com/m8BoH1b1uU — Celta (@RCCelta) May 23, 2026RCD Mallorca 3-0 Real OviedoDespite winning comfortably on the final day, results elsewhere meant that Mallorca were relegated to Segunda. Pablo Torre got the ball rolling at the end of the first half, and despite late goals from Manu Morlanes and Vedat Muriqi, Elche’s draw at Girona meant the three points were not enough for Martin Demichellis’ side. Amb llàgrimes als ulls i amb mal al cor, avui ens toca assumir un cop molt dur. Sabem el que significa. Sabem el que fa mal. I entenem la ràbia, la tristesa i la decepció de cada mallorquinista. Per això, només podem demanar perdó. Toca assumir-ho, aixecar-nos i tornar a… pic.twitter.com/XKfY3jbl6x — RCD Mallorca (@RCD_Mallorca) May 23, 2026Mallorca return to Segunda after five straight seasons in La Liga, who must dust themselves off over the summer before mounting a promotion charge.Espanyol 1-1 Real SociedadEspanyol and Real Sociedad saw their seasons end with a score draw at the RCDE Stadium. It was the visiting side that struck first when Orri Oskarsson found the back of the net just before the hour mark, which continued his good form of the last few weeks. Final del partit@RCDEspanyol 1-1 @RealSociedad Tanquem la temporada sumant un punt junts, pericos.#RCDE #EspanyolRealSociedad pic.twitter.com/PMYnAjPJje — RCD Espanyol de Barcelona (@RCDEspanyol) May 23, 2026However, La Real could not hang on. Minutes after Tyrhys Dolan was denied by VAR, Carlos Fernandez struck to seal a share of the spoils.The post La Liga Matchday 38 Round-Up: Girona and Mallorca fall into Segunda appeared first on Football España.

A round-up of some of La Liga’s most intriguing storylines across the week, traversing through the good, the bad and something beautiful.The Good: At least the suffering was worth it – maybe“These have been the six most intense weeks of my life, with a tremendous responsibility on my shoulders to prevent this great club from being relegated,” said Luis Garcia Plaza after Sevilla mathematically confirmed their spot in La Liga. And the truth is, those shoulders have been sagging under that weight. Two weeks ago, a heartbreaking late loss to Osasuna literally brought the players to their knees, and Garcia Plaza marched onto the pitch, stopping, staring, not quite sure what it was that he wanted to shout.“The team put in a great effort, but we’re empty, empty again,” Garcia commented afterwards, later, describing his players as ‘destroyed’. Did any of you really doubt that he would save Sevilla? Six jobs Garcia Plaza has had in La Liga over the last 18 years, and while he has been sacked on occasion, he’s never taken a team down. “I’m very happy and very relieved. The patient was very ill” – he didn’t seem especially well himself. None of those previous clubs have taken quite as much out of him as what he called the ‘greatest challenge of his career.’   Garcia Plaza is also the fourth emergency appointment Sevilla have made in the last four years. Jose Luis Mendilibar, Quique Sanchez Flores and Joaquin Caparros have all come in midseason to drag Sevilla, kicking and screaming, back from the brink of the disaster.“The goal will be to avoid suffering, because suffering is exhausting, it generates despondency, it distances you from the profession, and what I want is to have fun,” pleaded Sanchez Flores when he was asked about next season. At the other end of the country, 783km to the North, sat an equally relieved manager, after Alaves beat Real Oviedo. Having conceded an incredible 27 goals in nine games after Sanchez Flores took charge, they didn’t concede a shot on target in wins over Oviedo and Barcelona.   Both sides took 12 points from their final eight games to get them over the line. The suffering, and there is no shortage of it, turned out to be worth it. Just. Would someone please give these two managers something a little less grueling – they’ve earned it.The Bad: A false sense of security induced by Real Madrid?What do RCD Mallorca and Osasuna both have in common, beyond the fact they could both get relegated on the final day of the season? Both sides have beaten Real Madrid in the last few months. Since then, Mallorca have won just two of their seven games, despite Villarreal being their only opponent in the top six. Osasuna’s relaxation is far more egregious: Los Rojillo have just two wins in their last 12 games after stunning Los Blancos.“It’s caught us all off guard. Nobody could have imagined that with 42 points we could get to this point,” commented Alessio Lisci after Osasuna became just the second team to be beaten by Espanyol this year, the other an Athletic Club side in and out of slumber. Just as it is inexplicable that Mallorca will likely go down with Vedat Muriqi, second in the Pichichi race with 22 goals, it is similarly concerning for Los Rojillo that Ante Budimir’s 17 goals have not seen them safe before the guillotine slams on the final two teams out the door. In previous years, Budimir’s goals alone have been enough to sustain Osasuna, but this year they have also had Liga revelation and potential Spain World Cup threat Victor Munoz to support him. If there was an away trip that Lisci might have wanted to avoid this weekend, a Getafe side chasing European football may well have been the one. For while Getafe have scored 13 less goals than Osasuna, they are experts at extracting the maximum number of points from their football. Of the teams in the bottom half, Osasuna have the best goal difference, the joint-fourth best attack, and the best defence of any team outside of the top eight.Mallorca find themselves on the brink after losses to Getafe and Levante, largely due to errors that put any fan’s head at risk of spontaneous combustion. Osasuna lack killer instinct. In two of their last four games, all defeats, Los Rojillo have been in a position to take points in the second half. It would still take a dramatic turn for Osasuna to go down, but on a weekend where it will be do or die, Lisci’s side are all too forgiving. At any rate, they can’t be caught off guard this time.The Beautiful: It fills your heartSpare a thought for Sergio Ramos, who finished his Real Madrid career desperate, unable to stop his side drifting out of the Champions League at Stamford Bridge, unable to savour his final minutes. Or perhaps Lionel Messi, who never knew that a soulless 2-1 defeat to Celta Vigo in an empty Camp Nou would be his final game for Barcelona. His nemesis, Cristiano Ronaldo, ran off with a Champions League medal around his neck, but never got to experience how Real Madrid fans really felt about him. Perhaps even Dani Carvajal, who will see a homage this weekend, but may find it embittered after being told to walk the plank in a mutinous season.A proper farewell in football feels harder to find than it should be. Yet La Liga was blessed with a number of them this weekend. Athletic Club paid tribute to Ernesto Valverde, and Inigo Lekue, a stadium understanding that whatever might have gone wrong this year, is but a footnote in a phenomenal story. Robert Lewandowski declared himself a fan for life of Barcelona as he cried Adeu to Camp Nou. So often during his career, Lewandowski has been described as cold, cool, steely, perhaps the image of the 21st century a terminator-style goal assassin. Yet here he was all emotional, a 37-year-old talking about love, his heart – he didn’t mention the 119 goals or the three La Liga titles. SE PARA EL MUNDO. Óscar Trejo rompe a llorar y le hacen pasillo ambos equipos para despedir a una LEYENDA del Rayo Vallecano. ESTO ES VALLECAS, ESTO ES EL RAYO VALLECANO. El momento del partido #RayoVillarreal pic.twitter.com/02sKqjYIIo — Jonay Amaro (@AmaroJonay) May 17, 2026In Vallecas, the best Rayo Vallecano side in history beat Villarreal, taking them a game away from European football for a third time ever. It was an afterthought. All anyone really cared about was Oscar Trejo, and making sure he felt what they felt for him. In his decade at the club, Trejo has helped Rayo to new heights, a second European qualification, two promotions and a first ever European final, but “here I learned that clubs don’t live solely on results, titles, or statistics. They live thanks to the people who, every day, often silently, sustain everything,” he wrote after. Everybody stayed at home to watch him struggle to hold back the tears too – more precisely, his home. “How to explain a place that has been much more than a job, much more than a badge or some walls? This club has been home.” Pure Atleti pic.twitter.com/mova58y42d — Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) May 19, 2026“People have been sitting here for half an hour and they’re not moving, and they’re not moving because you deserve it,” yelled Diego Simeone, amazed at the 70,000 people barely making a sound as they watched Antoine Griezmann depart Atletico Madrid again – the second time impossibly romantic in comparison. “I have a headache from crying so much and it’s been amazing,” Griezmann said weekly after his swan song, first sad, teary, then happy, fulfilled. If only these 7 minutes could last forever pic.twitter.com/FRinmdUxzb — Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) May 18, 2026“It’s great to win trophies, both individual and collective, but that doesn’t fill your heart. It does in the moment, but it fades. I take with me the love from tonight, the love I receive every day from the people who work closely with the club, from my teammates… It’s been incredible. That’s why I’ve been so happy in my career.” He should know – he left to win big trophies, and came back for love. This time, he leaves with a full heart.The post The Good, the Bad, the Beautiful: Not quite terminally ill, a false sense of security and many full hearts appeared first on Football España.

Written by Harry Gillies.In the final act of a European season, a lack of Spanish teams is certainly off script. This century, Spain’s clubs have amassed a copious haul of trophies, winning a combined 24 major European titles. But the nation’s grand clubs will be absent from this year’s Champions League and Europa League finals, with attention switching to the Spanish managers who have revolutionised teams around Europe. As for the Conference League Final, one barrio team has a shot at making history. There was something ominous about Real Madrid President Florentino Perez when he announced his Super League masterplan to the world five years ago. In El Chiringuito’s studio, the clinical businessman sat in his chair, casually laying out the idea of a European competition for the richest and most powerful. Having seduced 11 other clubs into his scheme, including Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, the tycoon had every intention of establishing a new elite order, seemingly unmoved by the suggestion that it could devastate European football. The Super League was officially pronounced dead in February. It is fitting that La Liga’s most humble club have Spain’s only chance at European glory this season. Florentino probably wouldn’t blink if Rayo Vallecano disappeared from the footballing map, let alone never compete internationally – the team from Vallecas are the antithesis of Los Blancos. Known as ‘the pride of the working class’, Rayo hold a special sense of identity and value for their neighbourhood in Madrid. The squad regularly engages with local people – players even volunteer their cookery skills to community centres. Rayo’s main ultra group, the ‘Bukaneros’, promote various humanitarian causes, leading the way with initiatives against racism and homophobia. Although a Segunda title is the highest honour in their history, Rayo are not daunted by European heights, having reached the UEFA Cup quarter final in 2001. This campaign, Inigo Perez’s soide have been on a European tour, travelling to Sweden, Slovakia, Turkiye and Greece along the way, but it is back in Vallecas where many problems lie. Players must contend with a poor playing surface and changing rooms that have been mocked by opponents, while the Bukaneros endure the facilities of a crumbling stadium.But if we overlook the unglamorous setting, Rayo’s campaign embodies what the Conference League should be about: a small left-wing club – whose fans reject the capitalist grip on football – can still have its own European journey. A similar description would fit Crystal Palace, Rayo’s opponents in the final. Naturally, Perez’s impressive work has not gone unnoticed, with Villarreal now said to have won the race for the 38-year-old. In his debut European campaign, the man from Pamplona could become the first manager to place the Conference League trophy in the cabinet of a Spanish club.On a fateful night in 2017, the Camp Nou public witnessed a remarkable 6-1 Remuntada over PSG – delivered by an inspired Neymar Juniot. The Parisians believed they had the last laugh, first luring the Brazilian genius away from Catalonia that summer for a world record fee, before claiming Barca’s greatest ever for their own, as Lionel Messi arrived in 2021. Pairing the South American duo with Kylian Mbappe, PSG had apparently formed a front three that, together, simply had to step out onto the grass and conquer world football.Yet again, another incarnation of a Galactico project failed, with the European Cup continuing to elude the French giants. All along, the one man PSG desperately needed was part of Barça’s Remuntada, but he was standing suited in the manager’s box. Luis Enrique joined PSG in 2023, as Neymar and Messi passed through the exit door.From an anti-fascist, neighbourhood club in Madrid, to a Qatari-owned super team in the city of light, there are core values that Luis Enrique would demand from any squad. He persisted for a season with Mbappe, using ‘up in your face’ motivational speeches about how Michael Jordan stopped at nothing to track back.Mbappe’s eventual departure changed PSG’s history forever, and for the better. Luis Enrique cleared out those who failed to grasp his principles, building a youthful, pressing team. Every player works for the man next to him and faithfully follows the manager’s intense methods. His tenure is a salient example that the right team spirit matters far more than buying up superstars. A catalogue of players have been transformed under Luis Enrique’s guidance; Ousmane Dembele’s metamorphosis from a talented but timid Barca winger to a Ballon d’Or winner drove the Parisians to last season’s treble.Seeing Dembele flourish is one source of exasperation at Barcelona. Julian Alvarez choosing PSG over the Catalans might be another. But what surely pains Culers is the time that has passed since Luis Enrique led the club to its last European triumph in 2015. If PSG defeat Arsenal in Budapest, he will join Zinedine Zidane as one of the two managers to defend the modern Champions League. Opposite him on the Arsenal touchline, will be Mikel Arteta – formed in the molten environs of Pep Guardiola’s laboratory. Once upon a time, Luis Enrique was accused of being part of the Barcelona style, only a little more pragmatic – a criticism Arteta has become used to. The man he replaced at Arsenal stirs a profound nostalgia among Sevilla fans. Unai Emery’s tenure brought three consecutive Europa League titles, establishing an almost absurd expectation on the Andalusian club. In the decade since his departure, he won the competition again with Villarreal, becoming the tournament’s record winning manager. While Sevilla were twice more crowned Europa League champions, the club’s recent domestic fall has been as tragic as it’s been rapid.Now for Aston Villa, Emery stands to lift the trophy for a fifth time if his side can get past Freiburg. It would be a historic victory for an old English club, and a minor personal victory over English journalists, who, when Emery was Arsenal manager, once mocked his accent.Every Sevilla fan would dream of Emery coming back to restore the club’s domestic dignity, but the Basque manager has created something special at Villa Park. Only clubs of Europe’s highest echelons could pry him away, with Real Madrid and Manchester United having recently been linked to him. With so many Spanish coaches excelling throughout Europe, great Iberian ideas that continue to shape the game, and beyond any particular situation, there is no end in sight in that regard.The post Analysis: A Spanish manager in every European final – the true dominant force in Europe appeared first on Football España.

Sevilla have begun taking the first steps towards improving next season, with a change of sporting director. Los Nervionenses have secured La Liga status for next year with one game to go, allowing them to move ahead with future plans.None bigger than the takeover bid led by Sergio Ramos, which have agreed a deal with the current majority shareholders to become the owners. Beyond reports of an agreement, there has been no information on potential changes. At one stage, it was rumoured that Ramos could look to bring back legendary sporting director Monchi, but he has since signed for Espanyol.Antonio Cordon leaves Sevilla after one yearDespite having two years left on his deal, Sevilla have announced an agreement with Sporting Director Antonio Cordon to terminate his contract. That will come to pass on the 31st of May. Matteo Moretto adds that Cordon has agreed to waive the money remaining on his deal to reach an agreement. El Sevilla va a a anunciar la salida de Antonio Cordón a final de temporada. Es una salida amistosa y elegante, el director deportivo perdona dos años de contrato. — Matteo Moretto (@MatteMoretto) May 19, 2026Doubts over Luis Garcia Plaza continuityThere are also doubts about the continuity of manager Luis Garcia Plaza beyond the end of the season. After Sevilla lost to Real Madrid, but mathematically secured their place in La Liga due to results elsewhere, Garcia Plaza was asked about his future, and said that he had little more knowledge than anyone else.“I don’t know if I’ll stay. The day before we were due to go to Villarreal, the sale of the club was being negotiated. Is that normal? Everything should have followed its course, but it seemed like everything else was more important than the match. You have to be where you’re wanted. I want to be here, but if they don’t want me, I won’t have any problem leaving. I need to feel that they want me, and if they don’t, I’ll pack my bags. And if they do want me, I’ll get to work. I’ve earned it that they should be honest with me; now I want to enjoy myself,” he told Diario AS.There has been no mention of potential replacements yet, and it seems that all will be on hold until the new owners are in office. Garcia Plaza has a contract for next season.The post Sevilla announce exit of Sporting Director as changes begin appeared first on Football España.

Players hope their workaholic manager will let his hair down if he wins competition for fifth time in IstanbulTwo years ago, during Aston Villa’s first European adventure under Unai Emery, Vicente Iborra was asked about a manager he knows better than most. “He is a coach that takes into consideration every detail which might happen in the match,” said Iborra, then of Olympiakos. Iborra has winner’s medals from all four of Emery’s Europa League triumphs, three on the spin with Sevilla, the last with Villarreal five years ago, before which the injured midfielder delivered a stirring dressing-room speech. “You have the chance to make a lot of people happy,” he said, by way of opening gambit.On Wednesday, against Freiburg, Emery hopes to lift the trophy for a record-extending fifth time. Before Villa progressed past Nottingham Forest in the semi-finals, Vítor Pereira spoke on behalf of the masses when he described Emery as the king of the Europa League. Emery has reached the final on six occasions, losing one with Arsenal, and is seeking his first silverware with Villa. This week Iborra’s words feel more pertinent than ever: “I have learned many things from Mr Emery, but one thing I will never forget from him is that, in order to find yourself in a final, in order to experience this great moment in your lifetime, one truly has to want that, one has to long for it.” Continue reading...