Sevilla boss explains Adams benching after loss to Valencia – ‘I wasn’t happy with him’

Sevilla head coach Matias Almeyda has explained his decision to bench Akor Adams in their 2-0 defeat to Valencia, citing dissatisfaction with the striker’s previous performance.

Adams, one of Sevilla’s most consistent attackers this season, was left out of the starting lineup despite registering seven goals and three assists in 24 appearances, a decision that drew attention ahead of kickoff.

First-half struggles cost Sevilla

Almeyda opted to start Neal Maupay in attack, but the move failed to deliver results. Sevilla struggled to impose themselves early and were punished before the break.

Hugo Duro opened the scoring before Largie Ramazani doubled Valencia’s advantage, leaving the hosts with a significant deficit at half-time.

Adams impact off the bench

Adams was introduced after the interval and provided a more direct attacking presence, helping Sevilla push higher up the pitch. Despite improved second-half control, the home side were unable to find a way back into the match.

Explaining his selection decision, Almeyda said: “We have three strikers. I’m trying them out to see who scores the goals. I brought Neal back after his injury. I wasn’t happy with Akor’s last game, so we tried to rotate the squad. It’s very difficult to please everyone.”

He added: “Seeing how they were positioned with a back three, I thought that by bringing on Akor, we’d have a better attacking option… but we didn’t succeed.”

The defeat leaves Sevilla hovering just above the relegation zone, while Valencia move further clear of danger.