Sevilla’s García Pimienta: “The Loss Against Barcelona Shows Where We Stand; Now It’s Time to Bite Back”

Sevilla coach Xavi García Pimienta isn’t dwelling on his team’s recent defeat against Barcelona, despite the heavy toll it took with the injury to Ejuke. With their next match against Espanyol fast approaching, he’s urging his team to reset, focus, and move forward, although the aftermath of the loss at Montjuïc still lingers. “The group is doing well. We approached the game against Barcelona with enthusiasm and desire. It showed us where we stand—still in a phase of construction and far from the top teams. If you analyze the game, there were situations that were handled well. We collapsed after the second goal, not the first. This should make us aware of where we are. We need to be more consistent and realistic. Espanyol is a strong team at home, and we haven’t won away yet. We need to step up in all aspects—performance, attitude, and results. We’ll do it because of what we showed in Barcelona,” he began.

Sevilla’s Struggle for Away Wins

Sevilla has recorded three draws and two losses from their five away games, with the defeats being particularly tough due to the poor performance displayed. “We are not achieving victories. This match is about coming out with our teeth bared, from the first moment aiming to win by being aggressive and defending high,” García Pimienta emphasized. “They too will want to bounce back after a tough defeat in Bilbao. Our attitude can never be negotiable.”

The Severity of Ejuke’s Injury

García Pimienta also addressed Ejuke’s injury, which has been a significant blow to the team. “We will see how Ejuke’s injury resolves—it’s serious. Whether he needs surgery or not is still undecided. It’s a major setback for us. However, it cannot serve as an excuse against Espanyol,” he said. Ejuke’s positive attitude remains despite the injury, with García Pimienta stating, “He’s smiling because that’s who he is. He was in great form, and that makes it sting even more.”

Possible Replacements for Ejuke

Regarding Ejuke’s replacement, García Pimienta stated, “I have a very clear idea of how we will start, and what potential changes we could make. There are players who haven’t had much game time in those positions but can perform well.”

Idumbo’s Role in the Squad

The coach highlighted the potential of young talent Idumbo, saying, “He’s a first-team player who has had little involvement so far. He has also played with the reserves. He came on in Barcelona and did well. He’s young and still in development, but he can help us with his attributes.”

Versatility of Barco, Iheanacho, and Isaac

When discussing other players, Valentín Barco, Iheanacho, and Isaac, García Pimienta offered insights into their versatility. “Valentín’s best position is at left-back, and healthy competition in that spot is good for him. But he can also play in other areas due to his offensive capabilities,” he said. “Iheanacho was supposed to come on the other day, but Suso’s injury forced us to make adjustments. He’s training well, and I’m confident he will perform when needed. As for Isaac, he feels the responsibility to contribute and do well. He creates many opportunities, winning duels and generating chances, but he hasn’t been able to convert them. He will start scoring soon, no doubt. We’ve been lacking efficiency, but all our forwards have good finishing skills, and I’m convinced they will end the season with important goal tallies.”

Sevilla’s Potential Transfers in January

García Pimienta also touched upon the team’s transfer strategy, especially given Ejuke’s absence. “Ejuke’s injury is significant. In that position, we are a bit short-handed, especially with Jesús when he leaves and Ocampos’s earlier departure. The January transfer window is over two months away, but I know the club is already preparing in case we need reinforcements,” he revealed.

The Need for Aggression and Results

The underlying message from García Pimienta is clear: Sevilla must be aggressive and results-driven, especially in the upcoming game against Espanyol. He acknowledges the challenges the team has faced, particularly in away matches, but remains confident that the squad can turn things around.

A Leader’s Approach to Team Management

On leadership, García Pimienta emphasized the importance of inspiring rather than dictating. “I believe in leadership, not being a boss. I learned that being authoritative isn’t the way. A leader naturally attracts and has an invisible aura. I try to lead democratically—I listen to everyone, but in the end, I make the decisions, and I’m the one responsible. I enjoy listening and evaluating, and everyone feels very involved and part of the decision-making process.”

He added, “The key to managing a group is working with good people. They already have the technical and tactical skills, and you just apply your tweaks. But if you manage good people who believe in you, it gives you peace of mind and makes group management easier.”

Resilience Despite Setbacks

García Pimienta reflected on the personal discipline that has kept him grounded, saying, “I’m still doing the same things I did before becoming a head coach, like going to the gym.” He further highlighted that failure is not a concept he accepts, explaining, “In my dictionary, the word failure doesn’t exist.”

The Unpredictable Nature of Football

Finally, García Pimienta delved into the unique challenges football presents, stating, “Football is the only sport where you can be far superior to your opponent and still lose. For instance, a regional team playing against a first-division side could hit the post seven times, have three shots cleared off the line, and fail to score, while the regional team could win by scoring with their first shot.”

Conclusion: Sevilla Must Rise to the Challenge

As Sevilla prepares to face Espanyol, García Pimienta’s message is one of resilience and determination. The defeat against Barcelona has been a reality check, but with the right mindset and aggressive approach, he believes the team can bounce back and turn the season around.