Sevilla coach admits Iheanacho is 'in a difficult situation', backs fit-again Ejuke to get back to his best

Sevilla head coach Garcia Pimienta has commended Chidera Ejuke's impact in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Espanyol at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, while offering insight into Kelechi Iheanacho's continued struggles at the club.  

Ejuke entered the match in the 62nd minute, replacing Peque as Sevilla pushed for a decisive goal.

Despite his short time on the pitch, Ejuke made his presence felt, drawing praise from Pimienta in the post-match press conference.  

"And I think Ejuke was good. He was involved, he shot from outside. Little by little he will get to his best level. And that's how we're doing," Pimienta said, expressing confidence in the Nigerian winger's growing contributions since his return from injury.  

In contrast, Iheanacho, who was named on the bench, did not see action.

Pimienta revealed that fitness concerns and a lack of game readiness factored into his decision to keep the forward out of the lineup.  

"A bit of everything," Pimienta began when asked about Iheanacho's exclusion.

"But also at the time of the match we were putting the opponent under pressure and we needed people who had minutes."  

The coach further explained that other players like Peque, Vargas, and Antonetti were given preference due to their greater match fitness and recent contributions.  

"Peque came on from the start, Kelechi has only trained this week. After Christmas, he had some discomfort, as he said, in the hamstring, he had not participated and we needed people with minutes."

Peque, who had participated a bit more, then Vargas was in there for a while, and when we made the change for Vargas, so did Antonetti, who is having continuity in the reserve team, who had more minutes, we counted on him."

He further admitted the tough situation of the Super Eagles forward but revealed his decision was based on preference.

"It is also true that Kelechi is in a difficult situation at the moment and that is why I preferred another teammate to come on before him."

Since joining Sevilla, Iheanacho has struggled to adapt, raising questions about his long-term prospects at the club.

In contrast, Ejuke continues to grow into his role, showing glimpses of the quality Sevilla fans hoped for when he signed in the summer.  

Adeyemi Adewale

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