City Sports Councillor shows support for the team

UD Almería step up preparations for Sunday’s clash against Granada CF at the Nuevo Los Cármenes stadium. The squad trained once again at the Anexo training ground, this time behind closed doors, focusing on the key elements of Rubi’s game plan as they look to secure a vital victory and take another big step toward their goal of automatic promotion to the top flight of Spanish football.

The Rojiblancos are receiving growing support on their journey toward Spain’s top flight. Following the training session, the squad was visited by the city’s Sports Councillor, Antonio Jesús Casimiro Andújar, known as 'Tato.'

'I wanted to come and wish the players and staff the best of luck for this final stretch of the season and to let them know they have the full backing of the city. I also congratulated them for creating a strong bond with the community...something that wasn’t there before and I guess that’s extremely important,' he said in an interview with UDA Radio, the Club’s official station.

Tato believes UD Almería have a real chance of achieving promotion, something he sees as hugely significant for the city. 'We’re working to become a city of sport because physical activity is the best medicine for people. Being in the top tier would help achieve that goal, as well as boost our image and bring economic benefits to hotels, restaurants, bars and museums.'

Reflecting on the season, he added: 'We still don’t know how it will all end and I’m optimistic. But what matters is the process, the team are giving everything. When you do that, there’s no such thing as failure. In sport, sometimes you win, but you always learn.'

A regular at home matches, the councillor admits he lives the games with passion. 'Being in the directors’ box requires a certain level of composure, but last Sunday, when Baptistão scored, I couldn’t help myself. I jumped up to celebrate,' he said. He will also be in Granada for the upcoming fixture.

Antonio Jesús Casimiro Andújar has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in sport. He has worked as a university lecturer, a fitness coach for elite athletes, and with teams such as Unicaja Volleyball and Almería CF. 'It’s a period I look back on very fondly,' he said. At that time, the Club was also in Spain’s second tier and he worked under coaches such as Gonzalo Hurtado and Bernd Schuster. He spent two seasons with the Club, from 1995/96 to 1996/97.