The trajectory of Xavi García Pimienta, 850 days in his two years and almost four months, leaves ten memorable moments. Ten images, ten chapters that encapsulate the figure of a methodical coach, obsessed with plan A, who reached the sky last February 10th when he defeated Valencia CF and flirted with European positions.
He ascended to UD after five years of pilgrimage in the abyss and achieved the biggest victory at Gran Canaria Stadium against eternal rival CD Tenerife with a (3-1) in November 2022.
The ten ‘Pimimoments’:
[–>
Miguel Ángel Ramírez and Pimienta sign the contract as the new UD coach, in February 2022. / LA PROVINCIA / DLP
1. Landing of García Pimienta under Pepe Mel
Welcome to Mister 4-3-3. Pimienta, in times of covid, had a virtual presentation. He made his message clear. A tactical ideal of steel that had a slow start in results, but then made a record jump towards the fourth place in the 21-22 league edition. They finished fourth and were eliminated by Tenerife in the semi-finals of the promotion playoffs.
Here is a summary of his methodology explanation that serves as a reference. He never wavered from that plan A to the point of leaving a phrase for posterity: “Plan B is to improve plan A,” he spoke before the preview in the midst of a decomposition process.
‘I identify with a way of working, the raw material in this club resembles my idea of understanding the game. We are a club that aspires to the maximum (…) At a club like Barça, I played with the 4-3-3 formation and with many variations, I don’t want to give too many hints. UD resembles the idea a lot and won’t vary much’.
Pimienta speaks with the Naciente stands after being eliminated against Tenerife. / LA PROVINCIA / DLP
2. Resurrection and elimination from the playoff against CD Tenerife
On June 4, 2022, UD was eliminated by Tenerife after a historic comeback. The yellow team, with a stellar Viera, went eleven games without losing: nine wins and two draws. But it was not enough. Borja Bastón silenced Gran Canaria and the end of the first season of the ‘pimienta cycle’.
3. The 3-1 against ‘Tete’ and the ecstasy
An artistic performance. Dance against the ogre of Teide with goals from Pejiño (2) and Florin Andone (1). It was on November 26, 2022, a date for the history books. It was the most significant scoreline in the history of the Canary Island classics at the Siete Palmas stadium.
4. Setback at Heliodoro and on the ropes
On March 18, 2023, UD succumbed (4-1) at Heliodoro and the promotion was in jeopardy. Pimienta avoided dismissal amidst an environment of great pessimism.
5. Promotion with the 0-0 draw
May 27, 2023. A date for the history books. The seventh promotion to Primera in the history of UD. A legendary night. The yellow team, who lost Fabio to injury, secured the needed point with a lightning-fast Valles. It was hard-fought and wonderful.
Promotion celebration with Jonathan Viera in the background / La Provincia
7. The 2-1 against Atlético de Madrid
The Van Gogh of Pimientaism. UD triumphs over Atlético de Madrid in an ode to excellence with goals from Kirian and Benito. Simeone was left dejected.
García Pimienta and Simeone / José Carlos Guerra
8. UD’s record-breaking journey and the dream of Europe: 2-0 against Valencia
The yellow team defeats the visitors from Valencia in Pimienta’s latest victory -10th of February-. They boast the record for defensive efficiency (20 goals conceded in 24 matches) and in terms of points, it’s the best performance in 40 years.
9. The sequence of horror: shipwreck at Anoeta, anger in the press room, and ‘red alert’
Thirteen winless matchdays and eight consecutive defeats. UD spirals downwards and hits rock bottom at Anoeta (2-0). A slight turnaround came against Mallorca (1-0) but then followed by a reaction against Real Betis (1-1).
10. Survival at Nuevo Mirandilla and the farewell in the dressing room
[–>
UD draw in Cádiz in an unbelievable (0-0) match, with an extra player but lacking accuracy against Conan Ledesma. Kirian collapses. Ramírez-Pimienta meeting and on Thursday, May 23rd, the coach announces his departure.
