Sevilla manager Garcia Pimienta has acknowledged that Kelechi Iheanacho is currently struggling to reach his top performance levels since joining the club this summer.
The Nigerian striker arrived in Spain with a strong reputation, having established himself as a skilled player during his time in the Premier League with Manchester City and Leicester City. Many fans had high hopes for him, expecting he would quickly become a key player for Sevilla.
However, the transition has not gone as smoothly as anticipated. Iheanacho has yet to score or provide an assist in his first four league appearances for Sevilla, leading to concerns among supporters and management about his impact on the team. This slow start has been disappointing, especially given the player’s impressive track record in England.
Pimienta has expressed an understanding of Iheanacho’s challenges, emphasizing that he is still adjusting to his new environment. “He has quality, but he arrived a month late and trained individually for some time. He is adapting to the team’s style and dynamics,” Pimienta explained.
He also pointed out that Iheanacho’s recent two-week stint with the national team, during which he did not play, has not helped him regain his rhythm.
The manager believes that confidence is crucial for Iheanacho to find his form. “We need to give him the confidence he deserves. He is a quality footballer based on everything he has done in his career, and I am confident we will see him at his best soon. He has the capacity and skill to make an impact,” Pimienta stated.
Iheanacho has the support of his teammates and coaching staff, who recognize his potential to contribute significantly to the team. They are hopeful that with more playing time and the right encouragement, he will rediscover his scoring touch.
Looking ahead, Iheanacho will be eager to make a statement in the upcoming match against Athletic Bilbao at San Mames on Sunday. This match represents a crucial opportunity for him to open his goal account in La Liga and prove his worth to the club.
A strong performance could not only boost his confidence but also solidify his place in the starting lineup moving forward.
As Sevilla continues to compete in the Spanish top flight, the team and fans alike are hopeful that Iheanacho will soon find his footing.
With the support of Pimienta and his teammates, there is optimism that he can quickly turn his situation around and contribute to the club’s success this season.
The coming weeks will be vital for Iheanacho as he works to integrate fully into the squad and showcase his talents on the pitch.