Sevilla manager García Pimienta has voiced his support for Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho, despite the player’s slow start since joining the club. Iheanacho was brought in to replace Youssef En Nesyri, who departed for Fenerbahçe, but the Super Eagles striker has struggled to find his footing, making only one start and featuring as a substitute in two matches.
Spanish forward Isaac Romero has been Pimienta’s preferred choice for the attacking position, although Romero himself has yet to score this season despite consistent starts. Iheanacho recently came on as a substitute in a match against Deportivo Alavés but was unable to prevent Sevilla from suffering their third defeat of the season.
Ahead of Sevilla’s La Liga clash with Real Valladolid, Pimienta expressed his confidence in Iheanacho’s ability. Kelechi is a proven player, Pimienta said in a press conference. He had a difficult game the other day because he came on without warming up, but he has the quality to take a step forward and do well at Sevilla.
Sevilla’s struggles this season have placed additional pressure on Pimienta, who now faces the challenge of improving the team’s form in order to avoid dismissal.
Editorial
As we consider Kelechi Iheanacho’s initial difficulties at Sevilla, the spotlight turns to the adaptation process that many footballers face when moving to new clubs, particularly in Europe’s elite leagues. Iheanacho, a proven talent, has shown his capabilities at Leicester City and with the Nigerian national team, yet the transition to La Liga has not been without its challenges. The managerial backing from García Pimienta, however, could provide the boost needed for the striker to find his form.
Iheanacho’s slow start is not entirely surprising, given the context of Sevilla’s broader struggles on the pitch. When a team is underperforming, it often impacts individual players’ confidence and rhythm. What’s essential for both Iheanacho and the team is to focus on the long term. The backing of his coach is a sign of trust, and if Iheanacho can build on that foundation, there’s every reason to believe he will prove his value to Sevilla.
Ultimately, success in football is not solely about individual talent but also about team cohesion and strategy. Sevilla’s underwhelming form will need to change for Iheanacho to fully integrate and showcase his skill set. However, it’s also a test of resilience for Iheanacho, who must seize his opportunities when they arise and demonstrate his capacity to thrive in one of Europe’s toughest leagues.
Did You Know?:
- Kelechi Iheanacho was the top scorer of the 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup, where Nigeria won the tournament.
- Sevilla have won the UEFA Europa League a record seven times, making them one of the most successful clubs in the competition’s history.
- Before joining Sevilla, Iheanacho scored 12 goals for Leicester City in the 2020–21 Premier League season.
- Sevilla’s home stadium, the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, has a capacity of over 43,000 spectators.
- Iheanacho is the third Nigerian player to feature for Sevilla, following in the footsteps of Sunday Oliseh and Finidi George.
