Sevilla pre-season defeat to KS Cracovia leaves García Plaza with fitness and transfer headaches
Sevilla pre-season defeat to KS Cracovia exposed a thin squad and ongoing transfer business as Luis García Plaza’s side fell 1-0 in their second friendly in Poland. The loss highlighted a lack of cutting edge, a downpour in the second half and several unavailable players ahead of the competitive season. With the official LaLiga opener scheduled for Saturday, August 16 at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán against Rayo Vallecano, the club faces urgent work on personnel and preparation.
Late goal settles narrow defeat in Cracovia friendly
Sevilla were beaten 1-0 by KS Cracovia in a low-scoring encounter that did not reflect the squad’s ambitions for the summer. The decisive moment came amid deteriorating conditions, and the home side held out to claim victory in the second half. García Plaza’s team struggled to convert promising moments into clear chances, underscoring the familiar pre-season problem of sharpening the final ball.
The match was played in front of a limited crowd but carried significance for match fitness and tactical experimentation. The coaching staff used the fixture to test formation tweaks and evaluate fringe options under pressure. Results in friendlies carry little weight for standings but are instructive for identifying areas that require immediate attention before competitive matches begin.
Persistent rain and lack of finishing defined the contest
A heavy downpour in the second half disrupted play and likely influenced the game’s decisive phase. Both teams had to adapt quickly to a slick surface that reduced predictability in possession and finishing. For Sevilla, the combination of poor weather and bluntness in the final third proved costly when margins were small.
The visitors created a handful of openings but failed to find a consistent focal point to finish attacks. That lack of "pegada" — clinical finishing — is a concern given the club’s aim to compete on multiple fronts once the season starts. Coaching staff repeatedly emphasized during the game that match sharpness and composure in front of goal remain priorities in the coming weeks.
Injuries, World Cup absences and transfer talks shape availability
García Plaza remains without several expected reinforcements as the squad continues to be assembled. Rubén Vargas and Djibril Sow have not yet joined up after World Cup commitments, while Castrín, Juanlu and Alfon are currently in the medical room undergoing recovery. The absence of those names constrains selection options ahead of tighter schedules.
Meanwhile, a group of first-team players — Gattoni, Cardoso, Jordán and Rafa Mir — have trained separately from the squad as negotiations over their futures continue. Akor Adams has rejoined training but did not travel to Poland amid indications his move to Venezia could be completed soon. The club is also working on a potential sale to Olympiacos, coached by José Luis Mendilibar, which would affect available resources and squad balance.
Youngsters given extended run and responsibility
With senior figures absent or in limbo, the second half in Cracovia featured a heavy involvement from Sevilla Atlético graduates. García Plaza said the reserve players will play a major role across pre-season, and the technical staff intend to give them meaningful minutes to assess their readiness. That approach allows the manager to preserve key senior players while accelerating the development of prospects.
Club officials and the coaching team view the pre-season as an opportunity to blend youth and experience before the market closes. Young players can gain competitive minutes and showcase qualities that might earn them a permanent place in the first-team fold. The manager publicly praised the energy and attitude of the youngsters on display, signaling confidence in their contribution going forward.
Minute management planned for upcoming friendlies with Córdoba and Ceuta
García Plaza outlined a measured approach to the next pair of friendlies against Córdoba and Ceuta, with clear minute targets to build load safely. In one of the fixtures, each group of players will play 45 minutes, while the plan for the other match is to allow first-team regulars to reach 70 to 75 minutes. That stepwise load progression is designed to reduce the risk of muscle injuries and maintain a controlled ramp-up in intensity.
The coaching staff emphasized the need to avoid overplaying fringe players who must reach higher thresholds in the build-up. Medical and performance staff will monitor responses closely as the team increases workload across training and matches. The phased plan reflects a priority on physical readiness rather than immediate match results.
Transfer window timeline and squad construction remain central concerns
García Plaza repeated that the squad is still under construction and that there remains about six weeks before the summer market closes. The club will continue to work on reinforcements while balancing departures that could ease wage and roster congestion. Negotiations over multiple players will determine the shape of the group that heads into the LaLiga opener at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán.
Officials will need to resolve pending transfers swiftly to give incoming players adequate time to integrate. The balance between keeping continuity and refreshing the squad depends on the outcome of those talks in the coming weeks. For now, the manager is managing expectations and insisting that pre-season load and minutes will dictate selection as the team progresses toward competitive action.
Sevilla’s pre-season defeat in Cracovia is a clear reminder that results are secondary to readiness, but the combination of fitness issues, ongoing player sales and a thin attacking output presents tangible challenges. The weeks ahead will show whether the club can stabilize the roster, restore attacking potency and convert the promising performances of younger players into dependable options for the opening day.
