Explore Sevilla FC’s recent European struggles, uncovering tactical flaws, squad depth issues, and the growing pressure in league and continental football.

Sevilla’s European Struggles: What Went Wrong?

In the pantheon of European football, few clubs have created as iconic a legacy in the UEFA Europa League as Sevilla FC. With seven Europa League titles—more than any other team—the Andalusian side has long been a dominant force in continental knockout football. However, recent seasons have seen the club falter both domestically in La Liga and on the European stage. Once a feared opponent in knockout ties, Sevilla’s recent performances have raised alarm bells among BP9 fans and pundits alike.

This deep dive explores what has gone wrong for Sevilla in Europe, examining tactical missteps, managerial instability, squad depth, and the increasing competitiveness of European leagues.

The Rise of a European Powerhouse

To understand the fall, one must first appreciate the peak. From the mid-2000s through the late 2010s, Sevilla built a reputation as the masters of Europa League football. Managers like Juande Ramos, Unai Emery, and Julen Lopetegui orchestrated magical campaigns, combining tactical discipline with European savvy.

Their secret? A compact and aggressive midfield, dynamic wide players, and a high-intensity pressing game suited to two-legged knockout football. Sevilla didn’t necessarily boast the biggest stars, but their system and belief in the competition elevated them above expectations.

The Start of the Decline

The cracks began to show in the 2022/23 season. Despite winning yet another Europa League title, their La Liga form dipped dangerously, finishing closer to the relegation zone than the top four. That dichotomy highlighted an unsustainable model: short-term glory in Europe masking long-term structural weaknesses in the league.

In 2023/24 and beyond, their European form started mirroring domestic inconsistency. The team was knocked out early in the Champions League and looked unconvincing in subsequent Europa League campaigns.

Tactical Disarray and Identity Crisis

One of the most glaring issues has been the loss of tactical identity. Where Sevilla once thrived with a defined pressing and counter-attacking style, recent managers have struggled to establish consistency.

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  Managerial turnover: Constant coaching changes—sometimes mid-season—have hindered any tactical continuity. From Lopetegui to Jorge Sampaoli and others, each had differing philosophies, creating disjointed transitions.

  
  


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  Formation instability: The switch between back-three and back-four systems disrupted defensive cohesion. Key players like Jesús Navas and Marcos Acuña were often caught out of position, especially against elite European opposition.

  
  


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  Midfield gaps: Ever since Éver Banega's departure, Sevilla have failed to replace his vision and control. Their midfield often lacks a true orchestrator to dictate tempo, especially in tight European encounters.

  
  

Aging Core and Injuries

The core squad that once drove European success has aged. Navas (38), Ivan Rakitić (36), and Fernando (37) have all slowed down, and while their experience remains invaluable, the lack of youthful energy has been telling in high-intensity matches.

Injuries have also ravaged the squad, particularly in defense. Long-term absences to centre-backs like Loïc Badé and Karim Rekik forced emergency solutions and reliance on youth players untested at the European level.

Poor Recruitment and Transfer Policy

Sevilla’s sporting director Monchi—once hailed as a transfer genius—left a void that has yet to be filled effectively. Their transfer windows post-2022 have been underwhelming:

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  Inconsistent attacking signings like Kasper Dolberg and Adnan Januzaj failed to make an impact.

  
  


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  Defenders brought in on loan or as backups rarely fit the system or lacked readiness for top-level football.

  
  


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  No true replacement for the defensive leadership of Diego Carlos and Jules Koundé was secured.

  
  

Without smart, strategic recruitment, Sevilla has fallen behind other rising teams in both La Liga and the Europa League.

La Liga’s Rising Competitiveness

Sevilla’s decline also coincides with a renaissance among La Liga’s mid-tier clubs. Real Sociedad, Girona, Athletic Club, and even Osasuna have all improved significantly in recent years. The fight for top-six positions is tighter than ever, and this increased competition has made domestic qualification for Europe a daunting task.

In European competitions, clubs from other leagues like the Bundesliga, Serie A, and Ligue 1 are also fielding deeper squads with better financial backing. Sevilla can no longer count on tactical superiority alone.

The Psychological Toll

Years of balancing league duties with European success seem to have taken a toll on the squad mentally. Sevilla’s style often relied on intensity, aggression, and belief—traits that require full buy-in. With mounting injuries, aging players, and no consistent results, that belief seems to have waned.

The atmosphere at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán has shifted from confident to anxious. Fan frustration is rising, and even the once-feared European nights feel more like pressure cookers than celebrations.

Is There a Way Back?

Yes, but it won’t be easy. Rebuilding Sevilla requires a multi-season project involving:

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   Managerial stability – Appointing a long-term coach who can bring back tactical clarity.

   
   


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   Strategic recruitment – Focus on young, athletic players hungry for European success.

   
   


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   Identity rebuild – Sevilla must re-establish their DNA: pressing football, quick transitions, and strong defensive discipline.

   
   


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   Financial discipline – Avoid panic buys and instead build sustainably from within, including promoting talents from their academy.

   
   

The Legacy Still Matters

Despite the current slump, Sevilla remains a club rich in European history. The lessons from their decline can serve as a blueprint—not just for them, but for other clubs who rise quickly and fail to adapt to new footballing realities.

Football success is cyclical. The challenge is navigating the downturn with clarity and planning a smart return.

Conclusion

Sevilla’s European struggles reflect a combination of tactical missteps, aging players, managerial inconsistency, and increased league competitiveness. Yet the club's rich history offers hope. With the right decisions, Sevilla can reclaim its place among Europe’s elite. But they must act decisively—before the legend fades into nostalgia.

As fans of the game, it’s time to support your favorite club and the beautiful chaos that is football. Whether it’s La Liga, Europa League, or beyond, the passion of the league lives through its followers. Stay engaged, cheer loud, and let’s keep the fire alive in every league around the world.