A few months ago he won the Europa League, now he’s been sacked. Mendilibar took away Sevilla’s bad results

No success lasts forever. Not even when you win a prestigious European trophy. José Luis Mendilibar led Sevilla to victory in the Europa League in the spring, but a poor start to the season saw him sacked.

When José Luis Mendilibar took over Sevilla in the spring, it was a balm for the soul. General and extremely strict coach Jorge Sampaoli couldn’t pull the team out of the relegation fight, so in came Mendilibar, who opted for a caress rather than a firm hand and a whip and acted as a good uncle.

He was able to pull Sevilla out of the relegation fight and into a quiet mid-table position, plus he progressed further and further in the Europa League. He eventually reached the final and managed to win it.

Although he originally came in as a so-called bridge coach until the end of the season, this achievement earned him a longer-term contract. Only it won’t be kept.

Sevilla, like last year, did not start the season well at all. They lost at home to Valencia, then fell to Alavés, then to Girona. After that, the Andalusians managed to beat Las Palmas and Almería and draw with Osasuna, but then they fell short against Barcelona and had to save a last-minute draw with Rayo Vallecano.

In the Champions League, the results are also not ideal, with only a draw against Lens and PSV Sevilla, giving them two points. Now they have a double-header with Arsenal, plus a game against Real Madrid after the national break.

And before these difficult matches, Sevilla decided to take a fresh wind. The club’s management decided to recall Mendilibar, who lasted only 7 months at Ramón Sanchéz Pizjuán.

The club should have already reportedly scouted a replacement. The management liked Andoni Iraola, a young Spanish coach who did a great job at Rayo Vallecano. With a modest squad, he was mid-table after promotion to La Liga and was even just a few points away from cup placings.

He left for Bournemouth in the summer, but hasn’t done well in the Premier League so far. He’s only gained three points and is second to last in the Premier League.

Source: Sevilla