Sevilla manager García Pimienta has thrown more light on Kelechi Iheanacho’s struggles and slow start at the club, pinpointing his time with the Nigerian national team as a factor hindering his form.
Circumstances affecting Iheanacho’s performance
While speaking highly of Iheanacho’s potential, Pimienta was clear that circumstances beyond the player’s control have played a part in his struggles, Footballrover reports.
Iheanacho’s recent international duty, where he was left on the bench for Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda, has not been helpful, the coach said.
Interim Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen opted for Victor Boniface as the main striker, with Victor Osimhen coming off the bench, leaving Iheanacho without any game time during the international break.
Pimienta suggested this lack of action made it harder for the forward to regain match fitness upon his return.
Optimism for Iheanacho’s future
The Nigerian forward, who arrived from Leicester City, has yet to make a real impact in Spain.
His underwhelming performance in Sevilla’s 1-1 draw with Real Valladolid on Tuesday added to the concerns, with Pimienta substituting him after 60 minutes as the team searched for a breakthrough.
Despite being given opportunities to prove himself in four appearances for Sevilla, Iheanacho has yet to deliver either a goal or an assist.
Pimienta acknowledged that while the forward has shown flashes of quality, his late arrival to preseason, combined with missed opportunities for the national team, has slowed his adaptation.
“He has quality, but he came a month late, training individually. He is adapting. The two weeks with the national team, in which he did not play, did not do him any good,” Pimienta remarked.
With N165,000,000 Wage, Kelechi Iheanacho Enduring Difficulties In Spain… May Leave In January – pic.twitter.com/LYwerWwkXl
— dy/dx of AFC (@OoC_Bbnaija) September 27, 2024
However, the Sevilla coach remains optimistic, emphasising that Iheanacho’s talent will soon shine through with more confidence and patience.
Pimienta believes the Nigerian striker’s form will improve as he settles into the squad, and he is confident that goals will follow once he finds his rhythm again.
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