According to Sporty, Antonio Rapi appeared on the business podcast 'Compagio Podcast' to discuss his experience, business ventures, and ultimately failed attempt to acquire Sevilla.

After the takeover attempt led by Sergio Ramos failed, Sevilla's sale appeared to stall. This was especially true following the summer, which had pleased Sevilla fans and shown the team's strong sporting performance. However, the businessman said the club's financial viability "is not working right now." Months later, Sevilla's governance issues have once again become a central concern at Nervión.

The businessman explained that his interest in a stake in the club began years ago when he first tried to contact major shareholders. Rapi said, "My first attempt was to contact someone in Chicago." He has remained in constant contact with the board and made clear that this was an official proposal.

Rapi said, "In such a large and serious business transaction, this is how it should be done, and honestly, everything that is happening now surprises me." He believes "price and value have not yet aligned."

The Club's Financial Deterioration

In the interview, his greatest concern was Sevilla's financial trajectory. Rapi reminded listeners by comparing the current situation to years ago. "We once reached 245 million euros, but now it's not even half of that."

Facing this situation, he believes the club is currently in a "very difficult" position and is focused on Goldman Sachs, currently its largest creditor. Rapi sees Goldman Sachs' involvement as potentially driving changes to the club's structure.

In his view, Goldman Sachs can use its international network to identify investors interested in acquiring Sevilla and involve them in the process. He explained, "They will essentially create a Sevilla sales manual," and also reminded listeners about the nature of potential buyers. "No charity nuns will be coming."

"If Given the Opportunity to Acquire the Club, I Would Be Truly Happy"

Nevertheless, Rapi has not abandoned thoughts of acquiring Sevilla. When asked directly if he wants an opportunity to enter the club, he answered candidly. "I really hope they give me this opportunity." The biggest obstacle remains the club's valuation. He said, "The only thing holding me back right now is price."

The interview also touched on the process led by Sergio Ramos. Rapi distinguished the former player from the experts involved in the operation at the time and defended their work. He said, "Sergio did a great job, he's a great person, and I was very impressed by the abilities he demonstrated."

The businessman believes the current situation has led to institutional paralysis, with minority shareholders having limited ability to change the status quo. He explained, "Even I am somewhat in the same situation, but truthfully it's similar." However, he did not rule out the possibility of eventually entering the club. "I will not give up, and I will not accept defeat."

Rapi believes time can change the terms of such deals and warned against dragging out the process too long. He said, "When a product runs out, it becomes something nobody wants." Once that point is reached, "you fall into a hole," he added.

Goldman Sachs Can Accelerate the Process

The businessman is confident action will come soon. He said the reason is directly related to Goldman Sachs' involvement, and their intervention means this issue "must produce results."

He said his team will be ready to "support in every way possible." He even outlined a timeline. First, due diligence would be conducted, and final results would come at the end of the season. He said he would only consider moving faster if Sevilla were completely clear of the relegation zone.

"Great Mentality" as Part of the Plan

Beyond the acquisition itself, Rapi also outlined what he would do with Sevilla if he eventually took over the club. According to him, the first phase would involve sporting management, but the goal is to establish a comprehensive strategy that "aims higher."

In his view, it is not enough to simply cut costs without setting ambitious sporting and financial goals for the team. His judgment also does not single out one person to blame. He explained, "There is not just one guilty party here. This is the result of accumulated problems, responsibilities, and especially what I consider ignorance."

Rapi said he doesn't even need to design the plan from scratch. He said, "I know what needs to be done, how to do it, and who to do it with."

According to him, these would be people with business experience, who understand Sevilla, and who have solid reputations. He said he has refined and adjusted this model over years to adapt to various club situations.

"We will not invent anything new." His goal is to become "one of the best teams," and then "inject our culture and knowledge."

Sevilla's Current Problem: "It's Like Pressing the Gas While Keeping the Handbrake On"

The businessman repeatedly emphasized that the club needs to change its mentality. He said, "Sometimes it's sad how ordinary we are." His criticism focuses mainly on what he sees as a management approach that "cuts costs while trying to accelerate with the handbrake on." He summarized the result in one sentence: "This will get us nowhere."

He therefore summed up his idea with the phrase "great mentality." Rapi acknowledged that the highest goals cannot always be achieved, but believes they should be the starting point. He said, "If they give me the opportunity, believe me, I will not waste it." He added, "This is not the sale of an ordinary company. There is a legacy here." Therefore, while he believes it is reasonable for the owners to try to maximize the value of their stake, he warned that "when they are no longer the owners of Sevilla, this important responsibility will follow them."

AI 번역.

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