“Everyone is sacrificed” – Sevilla coach sends warning to Super Eagles star ahead of Villarreal clash

Sevilla head coach Luis García Plaza has delivered a strong selection message to Super Eagles forward Akor Adams and the rest of his squad ahead of their La Liga clash against Villarreal, Afrik-Foot reports.

Adams came off the bench to score the decisive goal in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Espanyol, which lifted Sevilla above the relegation zone into 13th position, although they remain just three points clear with three matches left.

It was Adams’ ninth league goal of the season as the Sevilla’s top scorer sent a strong message to the coach after he was surprisingly left out of the starting lineup for the game.

The seven-time Europa League winners now travel to the Estadio de la Cerámica on Wednesday, knowing they cannot afford a slip-up as they continue their fight for survival in a very difficult La Liga campaign.

Luis García Plaza sends selection warning to Sevilla players

Super Eagles forward Akor Adams made the headlines with his match-winning goal against Espanyol last weekend, which sealed a second consecutive victory for Sevilla after they had also defeated Real Sociedad 1-0 in their previous match.

The 26-year-old has now scored five times as a substitute this season for Sevilla, as he continues to cement his status as one of the club’s most important players whether he starts or comes off the bench. 

Speaking ahead of the Villarreal clash, which Sevilla must avoid losing to boost their survival hopes, head coach Luis García Plaza praised Adams and several other squad members for their contributions to the club’s victories in recent games.

“Maupay left after not playing and scored a goal and is contributing, Alexis has been one of the best entering the break, Akor the other day… They also tell me that he has scored more goals from the bench than starting”, the Sevilla coach said as revealed by Estadio Deportivo.

However, the former Alavés manager stressed that no player is guaranteed a starting role and everyone must continue to fight for their place.

The 53-year-old has rotated his squad in recent matches, even handing Nigerian winger Chidera Ejuke a starting role in the last two games as he looks to increase competition within the team.

“Everyone has to play their role, as a starter and substitute, and provide quality minutes. Now everyone knows that it doesn’t matter or not to play as a starter, everyone is sacrificed”, the Spaniard added.

Both Adams and Ejuke will be hoping to earn starting roles and make bigger impact as Sevilla enter a decisive phase of the season in their battle against relegation, beginning with Wednesday’s tough test against Villarreal.

The record Europa League winners will then face Real Madrid and Celta Vigo in their final two games of the season and victory in two of the three matches could be enough to secure their top-flight status for another season.