Sevilla kicked off pre-season with one clear, realistic goal. Gabriel Suazo, the team’s captain and left-back, made it plain: the first mandate for the new campaign is to avoid suffering like in past seasons. After three years fighting relegation -with three different managers (José Luis Mendilibar, Quique Sánchez Flores and Luis García Plaza)- the Chilean insists the side must grow step by step, absorbing García Plaza’s ideas and improving each move.
Thursday’s friendly in Córdoba -a scoreless draw decided on penalties in Sevilla’s favour- was a chance to test the new direction. Luis García Plaza, the Andalusian boss, is still shaping a team with limited resources but controlled ambition. “We want to give our fans plenty of joy”, Suazo said after the match, aware that Sevilla must return “where it belongs” without rushing. Last term the side survived in stoppage time, but this time the aim is to dodge those tight spots from the start.
What does the captain say about the club’s situation?
With a tight budget and a squad still being built, Suazo admits the margin for manoeuvre is narrow. The side finished last season in 13th place in La Liga (43 points, 12 wins, 7 draws and 19 losses), with a goal difference of -14 (46 scored, 60 conceded) and 51 points behind leaders Barcelona. The last official result was a 1-0 loss at Celta Vigo on 23 May 2026, in a five-game stretch where they won only once (1W-0D-4L, LLLLW). “We’re not setting targets for the end of the season”, Suazo warned. “We have to set short-term goals: matches, goals, keeping a clean sheet”.
The left-back also praised his teammate Oso, his partner on the left flank who can play as a winger. Suazo avoided discussing Oso’s future -the player has external offers and no renewal deal- but stressed he “is really pleased with how he’s performing” and hopes it continues, whether at Sevilla or elsewhere.
The squad puzzle and pending reinforcements
Sporting director José Ignacio Navarro stopped short of naming a specific target. “When the squad is complete on 1 September we can set the objective”, he said during the unveiling of the three arrivals so far: Jon Guridi, Juan Iglesias and Arouna Sangante. The team still needs cover in several positions, especially defence, where internal competition may be vital to avoid the hard times of past seasons.
Meanwhile, in Córdoba Sevilla lifted the Puertas trophy after winning on penalties. A minor result, yet one that helps gauge progress under García Plaza. “We’re starting to grasp the pre-season ideas”, Suazo summed up. The real test now is carrying that calm into the starting XI and, above all, not suffering.
League standing (final 2025 table - new season not yet under way): 13th in La Liga, 43 pts, 12W-7D-19L from 38 games, recent form LLWWW.
