Press conference
Rubi: 'The Malaga CF match is very tough and represents a challenge for us'
The UDA head coach praises the Andalusian rivals and does not hesitate to stress: 'They're one of the teams that have made me enjoy watching them play on TV the most.' The gaffer appreciates the support of the fans who will head to Málaga in numbers
'The Málaga CF match is very tough and represents a real challenge for us,' expressed UD Almería head coach Joan Francesc Ferrer Sicilia 'Rubi' in the pre-Málaga press conference ahead of this Sunday's fixture at La Rosaleda Stadium (KO 4:15pm Spanish Time).
'We're two teams that are very similar although after what happened on the last two Matchdays, the difference in points is greater because we've added 6 and they have none, but these matches for Málaga CF have been rare. They've been away from home on four consecutive Matchdays. With that equality, being a derby and with the home advantage, it's more challenging for the visitors,' he explanained.
The UDA first-team head coach praised the Boquerones. In fact, he did not hesitate to highlight: 'They're one of the teams that have made me enjoy the most watching them play on TV. They've played great games against Racing de Santander, Real Zaragoza... with promotion, young players have gained experience and are present and future.' Furthermore, as he added: 'Their coaching staff prepare the games very well, both in terms of set pieces and tactics.'
The Catalan believes in his team, who are at the top of their game at the moment, although he also warned that UD Almería's attacking potential is going to be tested against a Málaga CF team that are one of those that concede the fewest goals in the league.
The Vilassar de Mar native expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the travelling fans, who are going to travel in numbers to La Rosaleda, as he underlined: 'I truly hope they return happy because we've won.' There would now be five consecutive wins in Málaga, something that Rubi considered 'not normal' and therefore pointed out: 'It makes me be on alert.'
On a side note, the man in the driving seat of the UD Almería first-team stated: 'Baba is affected by the injury, but he has all the support from his team-mates.' When asked how many points he would like to achieve at the end of the first half of the campaign with four fixtures to go, he responded '40', that is, 9 out of the 12 points that will be at stake.