Press conference
Gonzalo Melero: We must make the most of the wonderfully set-up scene that the Club has provided
The 29-year-old midfielder praises UD Almería's management, stresses that this squad is better than last season's and that he is really in a good place professionally and personally
UD Almería midfielder Gonzalo Melero has caught up with the media and has not hesitated to praise the Club's management as each year takes steps forward in its ambitious project. In fact, he stressed: 'We must make the most of the wonderfully set-up scene that the Club has provided.' He returned to the Starting XI on the last Matchday after deciding to undergo surgery in summer.
'Considering that it was my first game in three months, I felt physically well. I helped the team and I could've played more minutes, although I don't know if I would've held on until the end. I'm not 100% fit yet, but I hope to be soon,' he explained. Then, he added: 'Undergoing surgery when I did and the pre-season have been good for me to fully recover without rushing to return. This was essential to be able to have a good year; I'm really happy to have done it even though I didn't make it to the league start in the best shape.'
Melero admits that although the team has done many things well, they have not started the championship in the best way. He clarified in this regard: 'We've just started and there are many points to play for. There's time for everything and in addition to improving in certain aspects, we need to adapt because there are many new players.' On that note, he pointed out: 'We're a better squad than last season's, but we have to show it on the pitch.'
This week amid the FIFA international break 'feels longer as there isn't league fixtures this weekend' and in his opinion 'we prefer to play 4 games in a row than waiting 17 days between a match and the next.' The next one will be against Villarreal CF 'who aren't having a strong moment either. Now, there are 4 games in 15 days to tally up many points and try to transform the Power Horse Stadium into a fort like we did last season. We have many days to prepare them and there's high motivation to reverse the situation.'
'I'm in the perfect Club to continue growing as a footballer and in the perfect place to live with my wife and my son,' the 29-year-old footballer, who wants to take a leading role within the team this campaign, commented.