‘We know who we’re up against’… Sevilla coach mentally prepared to face an in-form Barcelona | OneFootball

Last night’s emphatic victory over Valencia further cemented the notion that Hansi Flick’s Barcelona is currently the team to beat in Spain. A stunning first-half display showcased Barça’s attacking prowess, making it clear that the team has reached a new level under Flick’s leadership.

While the Valencia match offered plenty of positives, the real challenge begins now for Flick and his squad. With La Liga’s title race wide open between Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atlético de Madrid, every point matters.

As a result, the upcoming clash against Sevilla presents a golden opportunity for Barcelona to maintain their momentum, especially considering that the Madrid derby could significantly impact the title race.

Even Sevilla’s head coach, García Pimienta, acknowledges Barcelona’s dominance and the challenge ahead for his team.

Pimienta Respects the Strength of Flick’s Barcelona

As reported by SPORT, García Pimienta, expressed admiration for his boyhood club in his latest press conference. A product of La Masia himself, the former Barça B coach understands the philosophy of Blaugranes better than most.

“We are preparing for this match knowing the kind of team we are facing. In the Copa del Rey, they had already sealed the game within 20 minutes. We have to endure and even embrace the moments when we won’t have the ball. We must be aware that if we win possession at the right moment, spaces will open up that we can exploit,” Pimienta explained.

The Sevilla boss acknowledges the reality of Barcelona’s dominance in possession but remains optimistic. Analyzing the Valencia match, he is keen on ensuring his side doesn’t fall into the same traps. One of the biggest challenges will be dealing with Hansi Flick’s well-drilled offside trap, which has proven highly effective in recent matches.

“We know who we’re up against and the form they are in. We have to be very demanding of ourselves and keep competing, regardless of the scoreline. We cannot let what happened in Barcelona happen again. We are playing in front of our fans, and they need to feel proud. We will give everything to show a competitive Sevilla. Even if they take the lead, we have to stay fully engaged in the match,” he added.

Pimienta’s words highlight Sevilla’s intent to compete despite the daunting task ahead. He recognizes the need for resilience and a fighting spirit to avoid the mistakes that cost Valencia dearly.

Pimienta Praises Lamine Yamal

It seems like García Pimienta is the latest addition to the Lamine Yamal fan club, which was evident in his press talk. “He (Lamine Yamal) is an exceptional player and very young, so we’ll need to be very alert—not just with him, but with the entire Barça squad.”

The former Las Palmas coach is rightfully not underestimating Hansi Flick’s Barcelona or the brilliance of Lamine Yamal. With Sevilla’s squad looking fragile and Barça riding a wave of strong momentum, the game heavily favors the Blaugrana.

However, Sevilla should not be taken lightly. Pimienta’s side excels in counter-attacks, aerial duels, and winning back possession, making them well-equipped to exploit Barcelona’s high defensive line. If they execute their game plan effectively, they could pose a real threat to Flick’s team.