Kelechi Iheanacho’s debut in the Copa del Rey brought Sevilla the spark they needed on Wednesday night.
The 28-year-old Super Eagles striker, who recently joined on a free transfer from Leicester City, finally broke his goal drought, scoring twice and setting the pace for Sevilla’s commanding 3-0 win.
But what really stood out was his manager's take on the true catalyst behind this triumphant return to form.
Sevilla manager Garcia Pimienta offered surprising praise after the game, subtly hinting at a crucial factor powering Iheanacho’s brace.
The key to Iheanacho’s success? Sevilla boss reveals all
According to the Sevilla boss, the Nigerian forward’s recent dedication behind the scenes is the key to his success.
After a quiet first half, Iheanacho found his stride in the second, delivering a brace to seal the victory over their Third Division opponents.
Pimienta acknowledged the challenges of adapting to such matches, particularly when facing a team with nothing to lose.
And while reflecting on Iheanacho’s performance, Pimienta pointed out the importance of consistent training, revealing that the forward's dedication in recent sessions directly impacted his standout display.
“I’ve been a player; I’ve played these games, and I know how difficult it is. The Third Division opponent comes out with all their strength; the First Division opponent finds it harder to adapt, and no matter how much emphasis we put on them, they haven’t played for a long time,” Pimienta told the club’s official website.
“In the first half he played very little, and in the second we had the necessary success in the forwards. He’s training well; he’s played 90 minutes; we’re happy with his goal, and he’s going to continue improving.”
