Vicente Iborra, Levante UD's assistant coach, has spoken of his split loyalties ahead of the upcoming La Liga match against Sevilla FC. The coach, a product of the granota academy and a former Sevilla player, stated he will be going for the three points but his affection for both clubs remains.
Iborra made these comments to Canal Sur Radio just days before Monday's October 12th fixture at the Ciutat de València. Luis Castro's side approaches this game sitting 17th in the table with five points from six matches. Their recent form reads one win, two draws, and two losses from the last five outings. The clash against fifth-placed Sevilla represents a chance to change their trajectory. To climb out of the relegation zone, Levante needs points, as their survival goal is complicated by being just 3 points above the drop.
An emotional bond
The Moncada-born midfielder enjoyed a successful spell at Sevilla between 2013 and 2017, winning three consecutive UEFA Europa League titles. Last Friday, he took part in a tribute to Unai Emery at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, wearing a Sevilla shirt. "I consider myself partly a sevillista and I had to collaborate with what the event demanded," Iborra explained. "It's not at odds with my professional side and my club of origin."
The coach likened his emotional dilemma to a classic question. "Who do you love more, your mum or your dad? It's hard to choose, but I've lived beautiful stages on both sides," he said. Iborra, who retired from playing in 2025, maintains a close personal relationship with Sevilla manager Luis García Plaza, who coached him at both Levante and Villarreal.
Analysis of the opponent
From his viewpoint, Iborra sees a Sevilla with solid foundations. "They have laid important foundations, you can see a committed team, with an identity," he noted. "What I perceive and what I'm told is that there is a good human group, and in the end that's how results get closer." He believes the Andalusian club, with room for growth, is capable of achieving "ambitious objectives." Sevilla arrives for the match after a start to the season that sees them 4 points off the Champions League places, a gap they could close with a win in Valencia.
For Levante, the match comes after a 3-1 defeat to Villarreal, where Iván Romero scored the granota goal. The team needs points to climb away from the lower reaches of the standings.
The final word will be had on the pitch next Monday, when Levante will try to secure their second win of the season against a direct rival.
Background and full detail: Estadio Deportivo
