Press conference
Rubi: 'This Matchday opener has to motivate us to give our opponents a warning'
The UD Almería head coach, who highlights Burgos CF's current form and praises Ramis and Curro, believes that getting back to winning ways is crucial for his side. He describes the match as complicated due to the opponents and the venue
UD Almería head coach Rubi looked ahead to Friday's fixture against Burgos CF, with whom his players are looking to get back to winning ways on the road: 'We've played two of our worst matches away from home, and they're recent; it's a warning to all. We're playing again on Friday, we're opening the Matchday, and it has to motivate us to come out with a win at El Plantío Stadium to send our opponents to the attention of the team that we're starting to get points week after week; that's our main goal. I reckon the learning from previous matches will help us achieve this.'
The Catalan head coach insists on moving up to the top flight via the fast track, and this option remains intact: 'We're not giving up on automatic promotion. We obviously have to go game by game, but if the barrier between those two places is 73 or 74 points, you'd still have a chance. There are 6 home games and a lot of points left; I wouldn't change my mind if we lose tomorrow.'
The Vilassar de Mar native analyses the Burgos CF team dynamic and emphasises: 'We're once again facing opponents who are in great form; with 3 consecutive wins, without conceding a goal, and in a very difficult stadium for opponents. The players are aware that Burgos CF will play from the centre and try to force us into the box; in fact, in the last 3 matches they've come close to scoring and even scored in one of them.'
On the other hand, Rubi commented: 'Ramis' teams are solid; sometimes they get results with few goals scored. Traditionally, Burgos CF have been like that in the Segunda and it's another valid way to win games; there are teams that play that way and fail. Our goal is always to try to score 2 goals because of the type of player and team we are.'
The Rojiblancos' gaffer praised the work of Luis Miguel Ramis and his coaching staff, and also had very kind words for a player like Curro, whom Rubi had at UD Almería when they were promoted to the primera division. 'He's a leader on and off the pitch,' emphasised the UD Almería gaffer.
The Catalan head coach, who has been sidelined numerous times due to the 'FIFA virus' and injuries, ruled out Léo Baptistão for this Matchday due to a muscle injury. He also acknowledged that Arribas had withdrawn from the last training session due to gastroenteritis and that another player was suffering from muscle discomfort.