Sevilla - ceramics, sunflower seeds and Sergio
Seville is famous for many things; Flamenco dancing, oranges, palaces and…the Europa League. Sevilla FC has a unique grip on the competition, just like the unbreakable bond it has on half of the residents in the city, but also so many more worldwide. There is something special about this club, as Chris Lail of Monchis Men, an English speaking forum and podcast, describes: “Sevillanos are a very prideful and passionate people. They love their city, their culture, their beer and their football and they wear it on their sleeves for all to see. The same can be said for the two football teams in Sevilla. The locals support one of the two local teams and don’t have a “second team” as many others do in Spain.
“That passion flows into the culture of Sevilla FC. The team’s motto is, Never Give Up/Never Surrender. That’s how they play and that’s how they have achieved so much European success with a very modest budget. You believe every match, every tournament that there is a chance for glory. That’s why I love Sevilla. I love an underdog, who doesn’t? It’s too easy to be a fan of Real Madrid and Barcelona. There is no heartache.”
That passion can be seen all around the city, with the stifling heat, bars, cafes and people displaying their loyalty to either green and white, or red and white, hams bigger than a house hanging in windows. Sevilla tiene un color especial (Seville has a special colour) is an iconic song in these parts, and the Andalusian capital now officially does, certified by Pantone. A vivid, unique orange throughout the city, mixing with whites, blues, to create a glorious mix. It’s architecturally stunning as well, both new and old. Setas de Sevilla, designed by Jürgen Mayer, inspired by the vaults of the cathedral and nicknamed mushroom by the locals because of the dizzying curves, with a traditional Mercado underneath. Then there is the Alcazar, all Moorish and regal, with stunning ceramic work, surrounded by peacocks and plants in the gardens.
Chris has been following the team since he first visited in 2002, from Virginia, with his partner Christin, who has family there. Since then, his love has only grown. “The forum was the brainchild of Jeremy, Aaron and Rene. I joined in 2010 and started helping with hosting, web administration, and content. Monchi Men members are from all over the world including Morocco, New Zealand, Barbados, Kosovo, Japan, Spain, Denmark, the Netherlands, UK, Canada, and more. It’s a real joy to share a passion with so many from so many different cultures and time-zones. My co-host of the podcast, Edi Kuyena, had the idea to create a podcast and we teamed up to try our hand at it. We just celebrated our 100th episode and it’s been a great experience”
Monchi, the mythical sporting director, who has helped deliver so much success to the club before departing to Aston Villa, even found time between transfer deals, to appear on the podcast. “I’ve been lucky to make some really great contacts at Sevilla and I just asked if Monchi would like to join. We went to Orlando to watch a friendly match and had brought a “Monchis Men” banner with us and when he saw the banner with a cartoon version of his head he came over immediately to introduce himself and to take pictures with us. After that, he was super happy to join and support us however he could” explains Chris.
Nestled between a residential area and a shopping centre, the Sanchez Pizjuan takes the breath away. A sand pit surrounds it separating the ground from the tenements. Jamon bocadillos and a cold cervaza seems to be the order of the day.The tile work is spectacular on the front elevation, so ornate and precise. Speaking of elevation, high up in the norte stand is a dizzying viewpoint.The news is in before kick off, Ramos starts. A controversial signing, but he turned down the riches of Saudi Arabia to return to his home town club.
Chris sums up the sentiment “The fans are mostly on board. The Biris (Sevilla's Ultras) just put out a statement saying how they felt betrayed by the club with the signing, but those fellows will whine about anything not going their way. Everyone will be on board if he performs. Personally, I was against it at first too, but have come around. I think we need someone with his attitude in the team. A winning personality that will demand more of the teammates”
Highway to hell by AC/DC reverberates around the ground, apt for Ramos' homecoming, as banners come flowing from the Biris Norte, a ticker tape parade and a roaring chant for the whistle. Truly frenetic pressing from the off, clearly trying to make up for the pointless start, synchronised to rapid sunflower seed munching. It’s all Sevilla, Rakitic at 35 is ever the orchestrator, Jesus Navas at 37 is the inspirational captain, Ocampos making darting runs, but no breakthrough. This is a club that has suffered. On the pitch as well as financially, but most importantly, Antonio Puerta, the young fullback who died after a heart attack in 2007. The fans still remember him, and applause in the 16th minute of every match for the number 16 he wore. Sevillanos always wear their hearts on their sleeves.
Still goalless, the manager makes a double substitution on the hour, and you live the frustration here, it’s such a brilliant team, but it’s feast to famine and back again. Ramos roars, Rakitic weaves, still no opener, but so close from En Nesyri, the chips just won't fall, but the sunflower seeds still are. And a goal! Lukebakio on his debut. A cathartic release around the stadium, relief, joy, elation, all with one goal. Will this kickstart their season?
This city, these people, this club, with its passion, its colours, its heart, just has a way of making you fall in love. As Chris says, “ It’s infatuating and almost addictive”.
