Rafa Mir has been relegated to a secondary role at Sevilla. The Spanish striker is 21st in the squad for minutes played (167) this season and feels that head coach José Luis Mendilibar does not trust him, report Relevo.
In Sevilla’s defeat to Barcelona on Friday night, he was expected to start due to the absence of Youssef En-Nesyri and Mariano Díaz’s current situation. Mendilibar’s line-up in Barcelona came as a surprise to everyone, particularly Mir. The coach set up without a centre-forward, something that has rarely been seen in his managerial career. He opted for three wide players (Ocampos, Lukebakio and Lamela) in attack.
Then came the next surprise for Mir. In the 75th minute, it was Mariano who came on for Erik Lamela. Shortly afterwards, with the team already trailing, Jesús Navas and Suso came on as the final substitutions. Despite Sevilla’s need for a goal, Mendilibar did not use the only striker who was 100% fit for the game against Barça.
According to Relevo, the player’s entourage have confirmed that he is very frustrated about what has happened at the club in the last few months.
Kieran Quaile | GSFN
