Xavier García Pimienta has now passed the 100-day mark as a UD Almería head coach and as often happens especially in politics, it is time to take stock of his work so far. In his case, the promises he made when he took charge are being fulfilled and in impressive fashion. 'We've earned the right to be where we are', he said, before adding: 'The problem is that there are still 32 Matchdays to go and many, many things can still happen.'

Nevertheless, the Barcelona-born stressed: 'What's happening is showing us the way forward. We're training well, we're working seriously and we respect our opponents. This is the path we must follow.'

The gaffer spoke to the Club's official media, discussing sporting matters as well as more personal topics to help people get to know him better. In this regard, Garcia Pimienta recalled: 'Exactly 10 years ago, I spent a holiday in Cabo de Gata. I got to know the city and its paradise-like beaches... I had friends who spoke wonders of Almería and I can confirm what they said. It's a charming city where you can find everything, except, unfortunately, good transport connections.'

Xavier García Pimienta also reflected: 'When you join a club, you always think things are going to go well and that's why you sign. You get excited about the project and the squad... There was never going to be a lack of hard work, but this is a very difficult competition, and it's really hard to describe the journey we're on, even though we deserve it', he explained.

The Rojiblancos' head coach had previously said that UD Almería signed him because of his profile and he believed he was a good fit for the Club's  philosophy. More than 100 days after his arrival, he stated: 'I have the freedom to work according to my own vision of football, which is exactly what I was looking for.'

One day, UD Almería may lose a match. 'Hopefully, that moment will come as late as possible', he said. However, he faced the possibility with clarity and determination: 'Great teams are the ones that recover quickly and effectively from a particular situation. We must be prepared for everything, and when it happens, we will have to show the very next day what we are made of.'

In the same context, García Pimienta spoke about the fans and said: 'We want them to feel fully connected to their team and to be proud of it, regardless of the result. The day we lose and the fans send us off with applause, we'll have won them over.'

The UD Almería head coach also reflected on his days as a footballer, describing them as 'an incredible experience, the best part of football, a wonderful experience'. He played in Spain's top division and enjoyed it, but an injury force him to hang up his boots early. Now, from the dugout, 'I try to keep a cool head and remain calm so that I can make decisions, because a match can change very quickly due to various circumstances.'

When asked whether the player he used to be, who played as a winger, would have a place in the current UD Almería team, he replied: 'It'd be difficult because we've got a very complete squad... but the player I used to be would give me a tough time as a head coach', he added after a few moments of thought.

Quique Costas is the head coach who has had the greatest influence on him. He coached him when he was playing for FC Barcelona's 'B' team. Today, he admires the work Cesc Fàbregas is doing at Italian club Como.

His life in Almería is peaceful and centred on football and 'family, which is the most important thing'. He added: 'My daughter studies away from home and she'll follow her own path. When my wife is here with me, we go out for walks or have a beer... It does me a world of good, and I really value it.'