Almeyda targets mental shift to unlock Sevilla's potential

Matias Almeyda, the Argentine coach of Sevilla, believes his team put in a "positive" display in the 1-1 friendly against newly promoted Premier League side Sunderland as they aim to cultivate "that mentality that blocks you" and "progress together".

"With the backing of these fans, you're eager to step onto the pitch and perform. We are all focused on the shared goal of having a successful year," the Sevilla coach told club media after the draw at the Estadio do Algarve in Faro. Ruben Vargas's last-minute goal cancelled out Le Fee's first-half strike.

The Sevilla boss explained that "at times, the first half was evenly contested" before they experienced "a ten-minute dip" during which his players lost their way and "the goal came from a misplaced pass." However, he praised their resilience in coming back into the game despite the club's recent poor results.

"Today, we are starting to see glimpses of what we are aiming for, and we will try to get the players to give their all, as they did today, even if it is a friendly. For me, competition is fundamental. Wanting to outdo your teammate and proving you can. That's how you earn a place, at least with this coach," Almeyda stated.