We want to be a brave team

This Thursday, Kike Salas stepped back into the spotlight as one of the main voices in the podcast Solo el Sevilla on Sevilla FC+, just hours after making his return to group training.

For the young defender from Morón de la Frontera, it was an important day: the end of several weeks of individual work and the chance to confirm that he is ready for action again. “I’m feeling pretty good. I have positive sensations after the discomfort I had in recent weeks, and I went into training with a lot of energy and excitement,” he said with a smile, making it clear that he intends to be available this Sunday when Sevilla take on Barcelona in one of the standout fixtures of the weekend.

The timing of his recovery could hardly be better. Sevilla’s season has started with signs of resilience, particularly in defense, but consistency remains the challenge. Salas underlined the progress being made on that front: “We’re in that process of making sure opponents don’t create chances against us, and we’re happy to be improving in those areas.” For a team that last year struggled with defensive lapses and lacked stability, those improvements are a source of optimism.

Barcelona’s visit to the Sánchez-Pizjuán, however, will be a true test. Xavi’s side bring both firepower and expectation, but Kike refused to frame the match as a daunting task. Instead, he projected confidence and determination. “Throughout the season we want to be a brave team, we’re going to go for them because we’re not afraid of anyone,” he insisted. “Pressing, competing, and pushing forward is what we like, not sitting back. We’re going to give everything, always moving forward, and that’s what we’re working on.” His words echoed the broader message from coach Matías Almeyda: Sevilla must play with courage, no matter the opponent.

Salas also highlighted the impact of two major summer signings: César Azpilicueta, a veteran of Chelsea and the Spanish national team, and Alexis Sánchez, one of the most experienced South American forwards of the last decade. Both have brought more than just talent. “We knew what they could bring us and they’ve shown it,” Kike said. “They’re contributing both on and off the pitch, they’re two professionals with a lot of experience, and their advice is always something we value. They train as hard as anyone, going full intensity every day, and that always helps.” For a squad that has mixed seasoned internationals with emerging talents, the leadership of such figures is invaluable.

Even so, Kike made it clear that the Sevilla project is not built around individuals but around the strength of the group. “We’re building a good mix, there’s a strong group here and we’re very happy,” he emphasized, a statement that reflects the collective mentality Almeyda and the club leadership are trying to instill.

That leadership has been visible in the work of sporting director Antonio Cordón and, above all, in Almeyda himself, who arrived to restore energy and purpose after a difficult campaign last season. Salas was full of praise for the new dynamic. “From day one, they’ve emphasized the importance of building a team and unity. We’re very happy with Almeyda, he knows how to get his message across and how to talk to us, and we trust him a lot,” he said. “With results, everything feels even more positive and it helps us enormously. Last season is behind us, and we’re focused on moving forward together in the same direction.”

For Sevilla, the past cannot be ignored. Last year’s struggles, marked by inconsistent league form and moments of tension within the squad, left scars. Yet the tone now is one of renewal. The club has managed to combine experienced reinforcements with younger players like Salas, while also finding stability in its sporting structure. The arrival of Almeyda, a coach known for his passion and intense playing style, has already injected new life into the team’s mentality.

Facing Barcelona will be a measure of how far that transformation has come. A positive result could strengthen Sevilla’s belief that they are not only capable of competing with the league’s giants but also of positioning themselves firmly in the race for European qualification. For Kike Salas personally, it will be another step in his journey from academy prospect to first-team regular, a role he seems increasingly prepared to embrace.

In the end, his words captured the spirit that Sevilla want to embody this season: bravery, unity, and relentless forward momentum. Against Barcelona, they will have the chance to prove that message on the pitch.