Sevilla has announced the dismissal of head coach Jose Luis Mendilibar.
After the departures of Julen Lopetegui and Jorge Sampaoli, the veteran Spanish manager was only appointed in March, becoming Sevilla’s third manager of 2022-23.
Despite their domestic troubles, Mendilibar was able to orchestrate one of the most renowned seasons in the club’s history, guiding the club to what seemed like an unthinkable Europa League title.
Sevilla defeated Manchester United and Juventus in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, respectively, before defeating Roma on penalties in the final.
As a result, despite finishing 12th in Spain’s top division, Los Nervionenses qualified for the Champions League, and the hope had been that Mendilibar would usher in a new era.
Instead, Sevilla has only secured eight points from as many La Liga matches, leaving them 14th in the standings heading into the latest international break.
Their only two wins have come at home against Las Palmas and Almeria, while their Champions League campaign has started with draws against Lens and PSV Eindhoven.
Following a Saturday draw with Rayo Vallecano, the Sevilla board has decided to remove the 62-year-old from his role in the dugout.
“Following a meeting of the Club’s Management Committee, Sevilla FC have decided to relieve Jose Luis Mendilibar of his duties as the club’s head coach following the results at the start of the season,” the club said in a statement.
“The club would like to thank the Basque coach for his services, whose role will go down in the Club’s history after the club won the UEFA Europa League in Budapest for the seventh time.”
“Jose Luis Mendilibar coached in 28 official games.” He has two victories, five draws, and four losses this season. Since taking over as manager in the 2022/23 season, he has amassed eight victories, six draws, and three loses in LaLiga and the Europa League.
“Sevilla FC wishes Jose Luis Mendilibar the best of luck for the future.”
According to Estadio Deportivo, former Watford, Valencia, and Leeds United manager Javi Gracia is one of the favorites to take over at the the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.