Arsenal will face a tough test in their next Champions League game as they travel to Sevilla, and their opponents may have just become a bit more unpredictable.
Sevilla have struggled this season, having won the Europa League last season despite a disappointing domestic campaign, and fired head coach Jose Luis Mendillibar ahead of the international break.
They have now quickly found a replacement, in the form of former Uruguay boss Diego Alonso, who will now take charge at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
Sevilla hire new manager
Sevilla have confirmed the appointment of Diego Alonso, and his first two games in charge will not be easy, with home games against Real Madrid and Arsenal welcoming him into the job.
The 48-year-old has played for Valencia, Atletico Madrid and Malaga amongst others, but this is his first managerial job in La Liga, having managed Uruguay and Inter Miami in recent years.
He is a coach who likes to vary the formations he uses, and it means that Sevilla’s lineup for the Champions League away tie may have just become a lot tougher to predict. His style involves a lot of crosses, and with Youssef En-Nesyri providing a threat in the air, this is something Mikel Arteta will need to be wary of.
Arsenal’s bad luck
Arsenal will be hoping that the new manager bounce effect does not apply when Alonso takes on Arteta in his first-ever European game as a coach.
Last season saw Arsenal come up against Everton with a new manager in Sean Dyche, and were subsequently beaten, with the home crowd riled up in support of their new coach.
The crowd in Sevilla may have a similar effect, and despite their struggles in the league, it will not be an easy game by any means.
With Arsenal losing at RC Lens in gameweek two, a positive result in Spain has become a lot more important, and with Alonso’s side potentially aiming to press Arsenal high, the game may have just become more difficult than before.
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