By Victor Kanayo
After winning only two out of eight matches in the current season, Sevilla have sacked Coach Jose Luis Mendilibar.
This was disclosed by the club via a statement.
Part of the statement reads, “The club wants to thank the services provided by the Basque coach, whose role will go down in the club’s history by winning the seventh Europa League.”
Mendilibar, 62, took the helm of Sevilla in March and guided the club to defend their La Liga status and won the Europa League for a record-extending seventh time.
Sevilla will host LaLiga leaders Real Madrid on October 21, 2023, before welcoming Arsenal to the Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in the Champions League three days later.
Under Mendilibar, the team drew their opening two Champions League games against Lens and PSV Eindhoven.
They sit third in the standings, two points adrift of group leaders Lens and one point adrift of Arsenal.
Rooney Joins Birmingham
Meanwhile, Birmingham City Football Club have confirmed the appointment of Wayne Rooney as Manager.
A statement through the club’s website, reads, “Birmingham City Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Wayne Rooney as Manager, agreeing terms on a three-and-a-half-year contract.
“He starts with immediate effect having recently left his position as Head Coach of Major League Soccer side D.C. United.
“Rooney is supported by his former England international teammate Ashley Cole, the current England Under-21s assistant coach, John O’Shea, the assistant coach of the Republic of Ireland men’s national team and Carl Robinson and Pete Shuttleworth who both assisted Rooney at DC United. Shuttleworth was also part of his coaching team at Derby County.
“Ashley Cole and John O’Shea will retain their coaching roles with their respective national sides. Maik Taylor will remain at the Club as Goalkeeper Coach.
“The 37-year-old began his full-time managerial journey with Derby County in January 2021. The former England striker steered the Rams to safety in the Sky Bet Championship having taken charge with the club in the relegation zone.
“Battling a 21-point deduction in his first full season in charge, Rooney assembled, guided, and galvanised a group of players, primarily from the Academy, to reach an impressive 55 points whilst simultaneously combating multiple club-related issues. He resigned from his position in June 2022, taking the reins in D.C. three weeks later.”
