Sevilla has long been known as one of Spain’s most competitive clubs, often competing for European spots and challenging the top teams in LaLiga. However, the 2024/25 season has exposed several defensive weaknesses that have significantly impacted their performances. Once a fortress at the back, Sevilla now struggles to maintain stability in defense, conceding goals at an alarming rate.
This article will explore the key reasons behind Sevilla’s defensive issues, analyze statistical data, and suggest potential solutions to improve their backline.
1. A Statistical Overview of Sevilla’s Defensive Decline
Numbers don’t lie, and Sevilla’s defensive statistics this season paint a worrying picture. As of February 12, 2025, Sevilla has one of the highest goals-conceded rates among LaLiga teams, averaging 1.7 goals per match. Compared to previous seasons where they maintained an average of 0.9–1.2 goals conceded per game, this is a significant decline.
Additionally, their clean sheet percentage has dropped below 30%, a stark contrast to their 2021/22 Europa League-winning campaign when they consistently shut out opponents. The decline suggests not only a lack of defensive solidity but also systemic issues within their tactical approach.
2. The Departure of Key Defensive Leaders
One of the primary reasons behind Sevilla’s defensive struggles is the loss of experienced defenders. In previous years, Sevilla benefited from the leadership of Jules Koundé, Diego Carlos, and Jesús Navas, who provided defensive consistency. However, after key transfers and retirements, Sevilla has found it difficult to replace their presence.
Their current center-back pairing lacks the same level of chemistry and defensive awareness, leading to costly errors. Despite signing reinforcements, the backline has not shown the same level of cohesion. The lack of a true leader at the back has led to miscommunication and positioning errors that opposing teams have easily exploited.
3. Tactical Flaws and Lack of Defensive Compactness
Manager Quique Sánchez Flores has struggled to implement a defensive system that ensures balance between attack and defense. Sevilla often leaves gaps in defense due to their aggressive attacking play, exposing themselves to counterattacks.
Key Tactical Issues:
- High Defensive Line Vulnerabilities – Sevilla plays with a relatively high defensive line, which leaves them exposed to teams that play quick, direct football. Opponents with fast forwards have exploited this weakness, making Sevilla highly susceptible to long balls and counterattacks.
- Poor Defensive Transitions – The transition from attack to defense has been a major issue. Sevilla often commits too many players forward, leaving defenders in one-on-one situations against opposing attackers.
- Inconsistent Pressing Strategy – At times, Sevilla presses high up the pitch, but their pressing structure is disorganized. When the first line of press is bypassed, it leaves the defense exposed, leading to unnecessary goals conceded.
4. Goalkeeping Uncertainty and Individual Mistakes
A solid defense requires a reliable goalkeeper, but Sevilla has struggled with inconsistency in this position. While Marko Dmitrović has shown glimpses of brilliance, he has also been responsible for key errors, including poor decision-making in high-pressure moments.
Moreover, defensive individual errors have cost Sevilla crucial points. Unforced mistakes such as misplaced passes, failure to clear the ball, and weak marking inside the penalty box have all contributed to their defensive downfall.
5. Set-Piece Frailties
Sevilla’s struggles in defending set-pieces have also been a recurring theme. They have conceded a worrying number of goals from corners and free kicks, indicating a lack of organization when dealing with aerial threats.
Common Set-Piece Issues:
- Poor marking and defensive awareness – Opposition players often find space in the box unchallenged.
- Lack of aerial dominance – The team lacks a commanding presence to win aerial duels consistently.
- Positioning errors – Defenders often fail to react quickly to second balls, leading to rebound goals.
6. Fitness Concerns and Injury Woes
Injuries have further complicated Sevilla’s defensive problems. Long-term injuries to key defenders have forced the team to play with makeshift defensive lineups, disrupting their rhythm. With multiple defenders struggling for full fitness, Sevilla has been unable to establish a consistent backline.
Additionally, some players have shown signs of fatigue and declining physicality, making them prone to mistakes late in games. This has led to Sevilla conceding goals in crucial moments, particularly in the closing stages of matches.
7. Potential Solutions: How Sevilla Can Improve Defensively
Although Sevilla is struggling defensively, there are ways they can address their weaknesses and rebuild their defensive solidity.
1. Strengthening the Squad with Defensive Reinforcements
Sevilla must prioritize signing an experienced center-back and a strong defensive midfielder in the next transfer window. A commanding defender who can lead from the back and a midfielder who can shield the defense would greatly improve their structure.
2. Tactical Adjustments
- Implementing a more compact mid-block defensive shape to reduce space for opponents.
- Reducing their high defensive line against fast teams to avoid getting caught out of position.
- Improving defensive transition speed by ensuring more players stay behind the ball when attacking.
3. Improving Set-Piece Defending
Sevilla needs to enhance their set-piece organization by:
- Assigning specific man-marking roles to ensure tighter coverage.
- Using a mix of zonal and man-marking strategies to prevent free headers.
- Adding a specialist in aerial duels to clear dangerous balls effectively.
4. Boosting Confidence and Mentality
A lack of confidence has contributed to defensive lapses. The coaching staff must work on mental resilience and composure under pressure. More structured defensive training sessions, tactical drills, and psychological preparation will help players improve their concentration and decision-making.
5. Reinforcing Goalkeeper Position
If goalkeeping inconsistencies continue, Sevilla may need to consider a more experienced shot-stopper who can bring leadership and stability to the backline. A goalkeeper with strong communication skills and aerial command would help in organizing the defense.
Final Thoughts
Sevilla’s defensive struggles in the 2024/25 season have been a major setback for the club. With key player departures, tactical imbalances, and individual errors, the team has found it difficult to maintain the defensive strength they once had. However, with the right tactical adjustments, squad reinforcements, and a focus on defensive organization, Sevilla can still regain their form and compete at a high level.
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