Sevilla has started the season in fine form, second placed in the LaLiga just one (1) point behind Real Madrid. Sevilla are also joint toppers with Juventus in the Champion’s league, Group H. They started this season losing to Real Madrid and Barcelona in Uefa Super Cup and Spanish Super Cup respectively. But when the league started, playing just nine (9) games they have won six (6) already, drawing twice and losing just once. In the UCL, Sevilla in just 3 games, won 2 games, drawing once and they are on course to qualifying for the round of 16 hopefully as group leaders.
After the departure of Unai Emry who won the Europa League three (3) times back-back, the Sevilla faithful were hoping the club gets a replacement that will suit their play but the board decided to go for Jorge Sampoli, who was unveiled as the new coach. Jorge coaching Sevilla which is his first top flight job in club football having previously led Chile to the Copa America beating a Messi-led Argentina team in the final. With Jorge singing a bulk loads of players in the summer which also saw key players leave like Gameiro, Krychowiak, Konoplyanka and loads of others the best was yet to come.
Jorge’s Sevilla lost two cup finals to the two heavy weights of Spanish and European Football in Barcelona and Real Madrid, but have since then being on the rise losing just once in twelve games played so far this season. They also have a 100% home record this season, Last Sunday they ended the unbeaten run of 11games of Atletico Madrid at home. They play another home game in 2 weeks against Barcelona and they will be looking to take all the three points in the encounter. Before then, they take on Sporting away in the league and Dinamo Zagreb at home in the UCL.
With everything Sevilla has achieved so far this season, it’s still a long shot to say that they are strong title contenders, like other teams in the past who just have initial Gra-Gra (struggle) but fade out as the season progresses. I think Sevilla are strong title contender mainly because of how the top teams have dropped too much point’s already this season and it will likely continue. Sevilla also has a lot of strength in depth which will be crucial as they play the UCL and Copa Del Ray this season. Jorge will be looking to win a title in his first season with the club but it’s more likely to be the Cup but that is yet to be seen as no games have been played yet.
Personally, I think Jorge should focus on reaching realistic targets and not set impossible targets for himself and his team. Yes, it’s true that they can win any of the competition they participate in this season but they cannot win it all. I think Jorge will be satisfied with a Top 4 finish in the league, Quater or Semi-final finish (if lucky with opposition) and probably winning or being finalist in the Copa Del Ray.
Still, all those achievement are easier said than done, but I think the players have enough mental and physical strength to make all this possible not just because of their start to the season but because of their performances in every match they’ve played so far.
The Sevilla fans and the followers of Spanish league will hope to have a four horse race for the title this season (involving Real,Atletico,Barca,Sevilla ) and will also like to see an all Spanish UCL semi-final.
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