Sevilla manager García Pimienta has spoken about the challenges Kelechi Iheanacho has faced in adapting to the team following his summer transfer. The former Manchester City and Leicester City forward has yet to earn the manager’s trust, as young Isaac Romero currently leads the line despite not scoring yet in the 2024-2025 season. Iheanacho has been an unused substitute for Sevilla’s last three La Liga matches against Real Betis, Barcelona, and Espanyol.

Brought in to replace Youssef En-Nesyri after the latter’s move to Fenerbahce, Iheanacho has struggled to meet expectations, failing to record any goals or assists in five league games. Pimienta, however, defends the Nigerian’s progress, noting his lack of pre-season with the team. “The boy is training very well. I know it seems like excuses, but he didn’t do the pre-season with the team,” Pimienta explained on La Jugada de Canal Sur Radio via Estadio Deportivo.

Pimienta emphasized that Iheanacho’s late arrival affected his understanding of Sevilla’s tactical system, as his teammates had already been working together for nearly two months. He admitted that he intended to bring Iheanacho on in the second half of Sevilla’s 5-1 loss to Barcelona but had to change plans when Suso picked up an injury. Pimienta remains optimistic, stating, “He is capable because he has already shown that he has quality. He will have his opportunities, for sure, I am convinced.”