As Sevilla celebrated their ninth LaLiga win this Sunday at the Reale Arena, coach Xavier García Pimienta reflected on the match in a post-game press conference, highlighting not just the result, but the commendable performance of his team. “We knew the stadium we were in and the opponent we faced, and we understood that if we weren’t at our best, winning here would be impossible. I’m delighted with the win, but also with how we achieved it,” he noted, emphasizing the significance of both the outcome and the manner in which it was accomplished.
The team’s ability to maintain possession when necessary and defend solidly, conceding few scoring opportunities, was a key aspect of their strategy. In the final minutes of the game, as Real pushed forward, Sevilla’s defense held strong, a testament to the team’s growth. “This is what makes a team grow,” García Pimienta commented. “In other matches, we’ve had to endure much more suffering, but today, the team was very solid, and we managed to inflict significant damage on the counterattack.” This solidity and counterattacking prowess were pivotal in securing the win, showcasing the team’s ability to adapt and execute their game plan effectively.
Game Plan
García Pimienta outlined the team’s approach, stating, “We were aware it would be extremely challenging to take the ball away from Real, especially in their home stadium. However, we identified moments, particularly in the first half, where Real lost possession near our area, and we were able to transition quickly towards their goal with a good deal of judgment. This was our plan, knowing we would suffer at times, but also recognizing that when we regained possession, we would create danger on the counter, as this is one of our strengths. We needed to be effective, and we managed to achieve this at the start of the second half. I believe the three points are well-deserved.” This tactical awareness and ability to capitalize on transitions played a significant role in Sevilla’s success.
When discussing Sevilla’s European ambitions, García Pimienta struck a note of caution,yet emphasized the team’s ambition. “We’re in a group where anything can happen. If you win two games, you’re at the top, and if not, you’re at the bottom. When there are four or five games left, we’ll look exactly at where we’re headed. We need to earn the right to fight for important things. We are very ambitious, and that’s something we certainly have.” This ambition, coupled with the team’s growing solidity and strategic prowess, positions Sevilla for a intriguing run in the league, as they aim to navigate the competitive landscape and emerge as a significant force.