Almeyda reveals rotation strategy after disappointment with Adams’ Barcelona performance.
Sevilla coach Matias Almeyda revealed why Super Eagles striker Akor Adams was benched in Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Valencia. The decision stemmed from Almeyda being unhappy with Adams’ performance in Sevilla’s previous 5-2 defeat at Barcelona.
Despite being Sevilla’s top scorer with 7 goals and 4 assists in 23 appearances, Adams started on the bench as Almeyda opted to give Neal Maupay the starting role. The coach explained that squad rotation among their three senior strikers was a key factor:
“We have three strikers. I’m trying them out to see who scores the goals. I wasn’t happy with Akor’s last game, so we tried to rotate the squad. It’s very difficult to please everyone.”
Adams was introduced at halftime, providing a boost in attacking urgency, but Sevilla failed to overcome Valencia’s defense. Goals from Hugo Duro and Largie Ramazani in the first half sealed a 2-0 defeat.
The setback leaves Sevilla 15th in La Liga with 31 points from 29 games, just three points above the relegation zone, while Valencia climbed to 11th position. Almeyda acknowledged Adams’ importance to the team and indicated a return to the starting lineup is likely:
“Seeing how they were positioned with a back three, I thought that by bringing on Akor, we’d have a better attacking option. At halftime, we made another change to try and improve, but we didn’t succeed.”
With Sevilla in a precarious league position, Akor Adams is expected to resume his role as a regular starter, underscoring his vital role in Almeyda’s plans moving forward.
- Bench decision due to performance concerns
- Adams: 7 goals, 4 assists in 23 games
- Almeyda: “It’s very difficult to please everyone“
- Sevilla sits 15th in La Liga, Valencia climbs 11th
- Adams likely to start next match
