Senegalese midfielder Pape Gueye has opened up about his challenging start in Spanish football, which was notably marred by an unusual series of red cards. Arriving in Spain in 2023 to join Sevilla FC, Gueye found adapting to La Liga more difficult than anticipated.
Gueye explained that the differences between the French league and La Liga played a significant role in his initial struggles, along with his unique physical build. Currently playing for Villarreal since the summer of 2024, he feels he has made significant technical improvements, an essential requirement in a league known for its high standards of play.
“At first it was a problem for me. I committed a lot of fouls in my first year. When I arrived at Sevilla, I picked up four red cards in six months, whereas at Marseille I’d only had one red card in four years,” he stated. He noted that while Spaniards initially brushed off his fouls, they eventually held it against him, attributing it to their unfamiliarity with his physical attributes. “I think that apart from Tchouameni, there aren’t many who are built like me. In Spain, I’m seen as a physical monster because I’m powerful, but I’ve improved a lot technically.”
Gueye further acknowledged that he had underestimated La Liga prior to his move, thinking it featured only a handful of top-tier teams. He emphasized that even elite clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid face challenges against teams such as Osasuna, highlighting the league’s competitive nature that begins with the goalkeeper.