García Pimienta lifts Almería: they lead with 21 points after nine games

Coach Javier García Pimienta has turned Almería into a genuine contender: after nine league rounds, they sit first with 21 points. As reported by Mundo Deportivo, he began the campaign with doubts (two defeats in the first three matches), but since then the team has not lost.

The former Barcelona academy coach took over this summer after Almería parted ways with Rubi, who spent two seasons in charge. After his professional jump with Las Palmas in January 2022, Pimienta’s approach is built around possession from “the first minute to the last”, and he can adapt from a 4-3-3 to a 3-2-4-1 to give full-backs more attacking projection.

A shake-up after 1-0

Following a 1-0 loss to Sabadell, Pimienta made up to seven changes in the next game. Since then, players like Quim Junyent, Brian Cipenga and Javi Muñoz have stayed in the starting XI.

Quim Junyent has been an undisputed starter since matchday four and added to the assist tally against Leganés. Defensively, the improvement is clear: last season they conceded 63 goals, and this term they’ve been beaten only five times, keeping five clean sheets. After the weekend’s 3-0 win over Leganés, he said: “If we’re solid and consistent defensively… it’s a team effort.” Pimienta also stressed “room for improvement” and that “It’s all down to the players”.