Jose Maria del Nido has addressed Sevilla’s players at their annual Christmas dinner, reiterating his absolute faith in them.
The Andalucians have slipped down the table in recent weeks after a run of one victory from the last eight played.
However, President Del Nido has moved to point out that he only sees similarities today with a situation seven years ago and a particularly difficult moment at the club that preceded a turnaround in fortunes and five trophies in four years.
“Unfortunately we are not celebrating Christmas during a sweet sporting moment, we do so in a delicate situation. But I wish to convey that this is not the first time, this also happened on October 2, 2005,” began Del Nido at yesterday evening’s Christmas dinner with the players.
“That afternoon, Juande Ramos was a new arrival on the bench, a few weeks ago Joaquin Caparros had left after a successful spell, having qualified us twice for the Europa League.
“And then the stands became so wildly against the board, because the team were not playing as I wanted and the points were not what they wanted… I had to put up with the insults…
“That year we finished the first round of fixtures with 29 points. Recall that this year so far after 16 games we have 19 points.
“You know what happened in that season? We finished with 68 points, fifth, level on points with fourth and we won the first title in European competition in our history.
“I say this to convey full and absolute tranquillity that the President has. I have not lost one iota of trust in you, despite the results.
“It is Napoleon who said that confidence is half the victory. I have not lost confidence, not a pinch.
“On other occasions I have doubted something, but today I do not doubt you, because you are handling it all. I am convinced we will achieve our objectives.”
