Sevilla have ‘already decided’ on new manager ahead of crucial Arsenal Champions League clash

Sevilla have already decided on their manager ahead of facing Arsenal in the Champions League later this month. It has been a disappointing start to the season for the Andalusian club, who sit just two points above the relegation zone having picked up just eight points in their first nine games.

Last season wasn’t all that much different in terms of league form, and that led them to a managerial change midway through last season, with Luis Mendilibar coming in and hitting the ground running, going on to deliver a shock Europa League title, defeating Manchester United along the way.

But Mendilibar didn’t manage to buy himself much time with that title win, getting the boot earlier for the start to the season Sevilla have managed this term. The good news for the Andalusian giants is that they have plenty of time to work their way up the La Liga table, and they are still very much in the mix in the Champions League.

Sevilla are currently third in the group, one point behind Arsenal and two points behind group leaders Lens. Next up, they face Arsenal in the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan, and they should have a new head coach in time for that one.

Former Leeds United chief Victor Orta has been leading the search, and it seems as though he and the club have decided to hire former Uruguay and Inter Miami boss Diego Alonso. The 48-year-old has never managed in Europe, and he will take the job after two years in charge of the Uruguay national team, winning eight of his 12 games in charge. Though, he endured a miserable spell in charge of Inter Miami, winning just seven of 24 games and losing 14.

The appointment hasn’t been confirmed just yet, but Diario AS report that the decision has already been made by Orta and company. Sevilla and Alonso will have just one game to prepare for Arsenal on the other side of the international break, taking on Real Madrid at home in La Liga.