First Team
Rodrigo Ely: Having experience in Primera Division is a big plus
The UD Almería centre-back tells what a pre-season day is like, talks about his feelings ahead of the coming season and highlights his role at UD Almería in his footballing career
'Having experience in Primera Division is a big plus that we didn't have last year; there were many players who hadn't debuted in the top tier and now they know what the elite football is like, something that's going to be vital,' stated UD Almería centre-back Rodrigo Ely, with whom the Club's official media have had a long interview to share his thoughts on the team's pre-season campaign, the coming season, the fans, the brand new coaching staff, the importance of UD Almería in his footballing career...
The Brazilian footballer tells what a day is like on the stage in Benahavís: 'The alarm clock goes off at 7am and we get ready to face an intense day. After the holidays, it's necessary to get back into a routine...training and meal times. The pre-season is a month to work, eat healthily and rest; get back into a healthy lifestyle again to get in shape before the competition kicks off. In the training camp everything is more complete because you also put into practice what you learn in friendlies. He valued the place where the pre-season is taking place: 'Here we have everything, with the necessary facilities and this makes many clubs opt for these places because that way, preparation matches can be held as many teams are around these sports complexes.'
Rodrigo Ely pointed out: 'The little free time we have, I spend it talking to my wife and my daughters, who are in Brazil now; sleeping to recover, reading, listening to podcasts or music... Something to relax the mind and unwind.'
The Indálicos are training in high temperatures and in the opinion of the Rojiblanco central defender 'it'll be good for us for the early kick-off times of the first games of the coming league. We know that TV rules and we have to get used to it; in fact we're doing it now.'
The 29-year-old Brazilian says that he has got good vibes with the new coaching staff 'who are correcting aspects to grow and move forward. They transmit their ideas and the group takes them in well. We're improving when it comes to be well-positioned on the pitch with and without the ball. I think we're on the right track.'
The Lajeado native considers that UD Almería use effective tactics 'to take another step forward in the competition, which is being able to guarantee survival status without the stress of last season, although then, it was gratifying. We want to achieve the goal comfortably. Teamwork and solidarity will be key, without forgetting the connection with the fans and with the Club.'
The South American player is aware that this coming 2013/14 season, the fans in the north and south stands will be a little further away, and although he admitted 'that we like to have them close,' he also pointed out that the change of those stands 'is part of the development plan of the Club.'
Moreover, Rodrigo Ely stressed: 'UD Almería opened the doors for me to prove my worth. I knew I was fine and I was confident, but I had to prove it on the pitch.' He also considers himself as a player loyal to his Club always willing to contribute. 'I give it my all. I try to help my team-mates at all times and I want the fans to enjoy themselves. Time has made me a more mature and positive footballer, but I have the same enthusiasm that I had when I started. Every year is a new challenge,' he added.