According to Sport, Antonio Lappi spoke publicly in an interview on the Compagio Podcast business program, where he discussed his experience, business ventures, and his ultimately unsuccessful efforts to acquire Sevilla.

Following the takeover attempt led by Sergio Ramos that fell through, Sevilla's sale appears to have stalled, particularly after a positive summer for Sevilla fans and good sporting results for the team. However, the leader of the "three-pronged" effort stated that the club's financial viability "is not currently working." After several months, Sevilla's governance problems have once again become a major concern for Nervionenses.

The entrepreneur explained that his interest in the club's equity began years ago when he attempted to contact holders of major equity shares. "My first attempt was to contact someone in Chicago," said Lappi. He emphasized that he always maintained contact with the board and clearly informed them that this was a formal offer.

"In a business transaction this large and this serious, it should be like this, and honestly, everything that's happening now surprises me," said Lappi. He believes that "the price and value have not aligned."

The club's financial decline

In this interview, his biggest concern is Sevilla's financial trajectory. Lappi compared the current situation to a few years ago, reminding: "We once reached 245 million euros, and now it's not even half that."

Facing this situation, he believes the club is currently in a "very difficult" position and is focusing on Goldman Sachs, the club's largest current creditor. Lappi believes that Goldman Sachs's involvement could drive changes in the club's structure.

According to him, Goldman Sachs can use its international network to find investors interested in acquiring Sevilla and bring them into the process. "They will create what is called the Sevilla sales manual," he explained, while also noting the nature of potential buyers: "This won't be a charity operation."

"I would be very pleased to be given the opportunity to take over"

Nevertheless, Lappi has not given up on the idea of acquiring Sevilla. When asked directly whether he wants the opportunity to take over the club, he stated bluntly: "I would be very pleased if they gave me that opportunity." The biggest obstacle remains the club's valuation. "The only thing holding me back right now is the price," he said.

The interview also mentioned the process led by Sergio Ramos. Lappi distinguished the former player from the professionals involved in the operation at that time and defended his work. "Sergio did very good work, he is a great person, and I was very surprised by the ability he demonstrated," he said.

The entrepreneur believes that the current situation has created institutional stagnation, and minority shareholders have limited ability to change the status quo. "Even I, despite having a bit more, am actually in a similar position," he explained. However, he does not rule out the possibility that his plans will eventually lead to him entering the club: "I won't give up, nor will I surrender."

Lappi believes that time can change the terms of such a deal and warned against extending the process too long. "When a product burns out, it ends up among things that no one wants," he said. If it reaches that point, "you fall into an abyss."

Goldman Sachs could accelerate the process

The entrepreneur is confident that action will follow. He analyzed that the reason is directly related to Goldman Sachs's arrival, because its involvement means that "this must have a result."

He said his team will remain ready to "provide as much assistance as possible in all aspects." He even imagined a timeline: due diligence first, followed by a final result at the end of the season. He would only consider moving forward faster if Sevilla mathematically secures their survival first.

A plan with "great mentality"

Beyond the acquisition itself, Lappi also explained what he would want to build at Sevilla if he eventually entered the club. According to him, the first step would be related to sporting management, but his goal is to establish an overall strategy to "aim higher."

In his view, simply cutting expenses without setting ambitious sporting and economic goals for the team is not enough. His assessment also did not point to a single party responsible. "There's not one cause here; it is the cumulative result of problems, responsibilities, and, I believe, mismanagement," he explained.

Lappi stated that he does not need to design a plan from scratch. "I know what I need to do, I know how I should do it, and I know who I should do it with," he said.

According to him, these people would have business experience, understand Sevilla, and have a solid reputation. He stated that he has refined and adapted such a model over the years to fit various club circumstances.

"We won't be creating something new." His goal is to "become one of the best" and then inject "our culture and knowledge."

Sevilla's current problem: "It's like trying to accelerate with the handbrake on"

The entrepreneur reiterated that the club must change its mindset. "Sometimes I feel sad about how mediocre we've become," he said. His criticism was directed mainly at the management style that, in his view, "cuts expenses while trying to accelerate with the handbrake on." He summed up the result in one sentence: "This won't go anywhere."

Therefore, he summed up his idea in one word: "great mentality." Lappi acknowledged that it's not always possible to achieve the highest goals, but believes they should be set as a starting point. "If they give me the opportunity, believe me, I won't waste it," he said. "This isn't an ordinary business sale. There is legacy," he added. Therefore, while he believes it's fair for owners to try to maximize the value of their shares, he reminded: "When they are no longer Sevilla's owners, this great responsibility will follow them."

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