Sevilla Appoints 'Nomadic' Coach Known for Promotions and Relegation Escapes

Sevilla has announced the appointment of Luis García Plaza as the club's new head coach.

The 53-year-old Madrid native takes over from the dismissed Matías Almeyda, signing a one-year contract with the Andalusian side, effective until June 30, 2027.

Plaza has managed numerous teams throughout his coaching career, with Sevilla becoming his 14th club. He has previously led teams such as Villarreal, Levante, Mallorca, and Getafe, though he rarely stayed for extended periods. An exception was his nearly three-year tenure with the Madrid-based club.

Plaza has also coached several teams in more exotic leagues, including Bani Yas in the UAE, Beijing Renhe in China, and Al-Shabab in Saudi Arabia. Most recently, he was at the helm of Alavés, where he first guided the then-second-division team to promotion to La Liga and subsequently secured their top-flight status. He was dismissed from Alavés in 2024 following a poor start to the season.

He also achieved elite promotions with Levante, Mallorca, and his Chinese club, but has yet to win a major trophy.

Plaza faces the challenging task of revitalizing Sevilla. The team is currently on a four-match winless streak in La Liga and sits just three points above the relegation zone with nine games remaining in the season.