Jose Maria del Nido Carrasco was raised in a family deeply rooted in Sevilla FC, being the grandson of a former vice-president and the son of a former president of the club.
He has served in various capacities within the six-time Europa League champions for 17 years.
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Sevilla FC’s Strategic Approach: Navigating New Challenges, Fostering Partnerships, and Embracing Long-term Vision
Recently, Del Nido Carrasco took on the role of president himself, stepping into the position on December 31 of the previous year. With just over two months in office, he faces a multitude of challenges, including the development of a new training ground, the construction of a new stadium, rejuvenating the team with younger players, and reducing the wage bill.
In this exclusive interview with TOI, the club president discusses their collaboration with FC Bengaluru United, outlines future plans, and explores the potential for an extraordinary friendly match in India.
While many European clubs have forged partnerships with Indian counterparts in the past, none of these alliances have endured for an extended period.
Importantly, he expresses a strong desire to expand the club’s international presence, focusing particularly on key markets such as China, Brazil, the United States, Mexico, and notably, India.
Sevilla’s entry into the Indian market begins with their collaboration with FC Bengaluru United, a strategic decision driven by careful consideration rather than impulse. Among numerous available options, the Spanish club selected a partner that exhibits ambition despite not yet belonging to the top two tiers of Indian football.
“We want to establish ourselves as an option for Indian football fans, and that requires perseverance and patience,” Del Nido Carrasco told TOI in an exclusive interview. “We believe that the journey with Bengaluru United brings together that necessary perseverance and patience. It is an association of football clubs, but it also goes further. We have common interests; clubs that look to the future with technology as part of their DNA. We believe that our relationship will be (long) lasting because we share two common pillars: vision of the future and ambition“.
Unlike many European clubs and their association with Indian football, Sevilla has walked the talk. Last year, club officials spent considerable time here, understanding the dynamics. It was necessary, the club president said, “to know Indian football on the ground.”
Sevilla FC’s Commitment to India: Building Partnerships and Exploring Opportunities
FC Bengaluru United has also made several visits to Seville, with board officials benefiting from valuable insights during their time there in February. Additionally, coach Fernando Varela has had the opportunity to glean important lessons from these experiences.
“In the last year alone, our level of impact in the country has increased by more than 40% and this reflects in television audiences and the (number of) Indian followers we have on social media. It is just the beginning of a path that we want to travel in both directions,” said Del Nido Carrasco.
Furthermore, the former LaLiga champions are giving serious consideration to the prospect of bringing their first-team squad, which includes notable players like Sergio Ramos, Jesus Navas, Youssef En-Nesyri, and Erik Lamela, among others, to India for the first time.
“Sevilla is open to play a friendly and continue advancing in a market as dear to us as India,” said Del Nido Carrasco. “We want to show India what European football is, and above all, what Sevilla FC is, its uniqueness, how it has achieved its milestones, even off the field like the technological ones. Logically, specific conditions must be met for the team to travel and play in India, but it is something that the club is seriously considering“.
Jose Maria del Nido Carrasco was queried about the official visit of Sevilla officials to India and its impact on understanding Indian football.
“It is necessary to know Indian football on the ground. We also want Indian football and India to know Sevilla FC. It was a very good starting point to get to know each other and be able to lay the foundations, so that future agreements and proposals are more appropriate to the reality of Bengaluru
United and Indian football. FCBU have visited us several times in Seville. Members of its board were in Spain at the beginning of February.”
“The coach, Fernando Varela, also had sessions of formation at our facilities. We will soon return to India to demonstrate our commitment to this agreement and continue advancing and growing our projects in India. We plan to be present in India this year through institutional visits and with our presence at conferences or football events too.”
