Garcia Pimienta speaks ahead of Barcelona vs Las Palmas – “I am a Cule”

This weekend’s fixtures may seem like nothing special at first glance, but Barcelona hosting Las Palmas could become an emotional affair for one certain man on the yellow side of the touchline.

Garcia Pimienta, the current coach of Las Palmas, famously managed Barcelona Atletic for several years before being sacked by Joan Laporta.

Tomorrow, he returns home.

The two sides met earlier this season already, though, at the legendary Gran Canaria. That tie did not particularly go well for Pimienta’s side as a 93rd-minute penalty from Ilkay Gundogan sealed the 1-2 win for them.

“I am a Cule”

Ahead of the game, Pimienta addressed the media as part of his pre-game press conference. He was asked about the importance of tomorrow’s meeting for him, and did not hold back.

“There I trained as a coach, player, and person, I am a Cule, but right now I am at Las Palmas, in the First Division, and I have achieved something very difficult like promotion with a recognizable team and system,” Pimienta said with his heart.

“Obviously, tomorrow’s game will be very special for me, but I want Las Palmas to do well and win all the games,” he added.

Pimienta is a Cule through and through. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Pimienta also went on to acknowledge that his Las Palmas side were in a tough rut right now, having won only one of their last eight games in the league. They have, however, managed to retain the 11th place in the league, which is more than commendable.

What to expect from Pimienta’s Las Palmas tomorrow?

If the last game is anything to go by, it is clear that Pimienta’s Las Palmas side are of the most disciplined sides in the league, both in and out of possession.

They have conceded fewer goals than Barcelona, Girona, and Atletico Madrid, and will prove to be a nuisance to break down tomorrow, as well.

The Canary Islands outfit also boast of the second-highest possession in the league, with 61%, so Barcelona can be expected to go a fair few patches without seeing the ball at all.

Source: Mundo Deportivo