Sevilla Football Club is on the verge of appointing Luis García Plaza as their new manager for the remainder of the season, following the dismissal of Matías Almeyda. The Argentine coach, who had been under contract for three years, was relieved of his duties after a challenging run of form. Although García Plaza appears set to take over, former Sevilla player and manager Manolo Jiménez has publicly stated his willingness to answer the call should the club come calling.
The decision to part ways with Almeyda came after consecutive LaLiga defeats – a 5-2 loss to FC Barcelona and a 0-2 defeat against Valencia – leaving Sevilla precariously positioned in 15th place, just three points above the relegation zone. The club confirmed Almeyda’s departure on Monday, March 23, 2026, and immediately began negotiations with García Plaza, according to sources within the Andalusian club.
Jiménez: “If They Call, I’ll Be There”
Jiménez, who managed Sevilla between 2007 and 2010, has been linked with a potential return to the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán. Speaking to El Pespunte, the 62-year-old expressed his unwavering affection for the club and his readiness to step in if offered the opportunity. “There’s a team that, of course, is Sevilla, and even in a subpar moment, I would never say no,” Jiménez stated. “But I think that’s something the people who require to decide have to determine. I don’t know if they’ve already decided on a coach or not, they say I’m on the shortlist… My phone is always open for friends and family, and Sevilla is my family and full of friends. If they call, I’ll be there, and if they don’t call, I’ll continue to be a Sevillista in the same way.”
Jiménez’s connection to Sevilla runs deep. He holds the distinction of being the fourth player to appear in the most matches for the club, with a remarkable 413 appearances, surpassed only by Pablo Blanco, Juan Arza, and Jesús Navas. His previous managerial stint saw him oversee 135 official matches for the first team.
Almeyda’s Tenure Cut Short
Matías Almeyda’s time at Sevilla was marked by inconsistency. In 29 league matches, he secured eight wins, seven draws, and 14 defeats. His dismissal underscores the pressure felt by the club to climb away from the relegation battle. Almeyda’s arrival in 2026 had initially generated excitement, recalling his previous spell with the club as a player – a period that, while significant as the club’s then-record signing, ultimately proved unsuccessful as Sevilla were relegated to Segunda División.
The decision to remove Almeyda was reportedly postponed until Monday evening following the defeat to Valencia, but the club’s intention to seek a replacement was firm. The club’s executive committee deliberated over the weekend before making the final decision.
García Plaza Poised to Take Over
Luis García Plaza is now expected to lead Sevilla through a crucial period as they fight to maintain their LaLiga status. The club is reportedly finalizing the terms of his contract, with an agreement anticipated shortly. García Plaza will inherit a team struggling defensively, having conceded the most goals (49) in the league, level with bottom-placed Real Oviedo.
Other candidates considered for the position included Diego Martínez and Manolo Jiménez, according to reports from El Desmarque and Diario de Sevilla. However, initial contact has been made with García Plaza, and negotiations are progressing. José Bordalás was also reportedly a candidate last summer, but was deemed an unsuitable profile due to his tendency to publicly criticize recruitment decisions.
Sevilla’s next challenge comes against Real Oviedo, and the club will be hoping that the arrival of a new manager can spark a turnaround in fortunes. The team will need to quickly address their defensive vulnerabilities and find a consistent scoring touch to secure their place in LaLiga for next season.
The situation at Sevilla highlights the intense pressure faced by managers in the Spanish top flight, where results are paramount and the threat of relegation looms large. The club’s swift action in replacing Almeyda demonstrates their determination to avoid a disastrous end to the season.
As Manolo Jiménez waits by the phone, the Sevilla faithful will be hoping that Luis García Plaza can quickly instill a sense of stability and direction into a team desperately in need of both.
Sevilla will face Real Oviedo on [Date to be confirmed] in a match that will be crucial in their fight to avoid relegation. Fans will be eager to see how the team responds to the change in management and whether García Plaza can deliver the results needed to secure their LaLiga future.
