Gaizka Garitano: "This game is vital, time is running out and we need to win"
The UD Almería gaffer believes that his team is getting closer to the first victory and is confident that it will be achieved this Sunday against Betis despite the guests' potential. 'The players are training well. They're united, motivated and eager to get themselves out of the rut,' he underlined
'The match against Betis is vital for us because time is running out and we have the need to win,' stressed UD Almería head coach Gaizka Garitano in the pre-match press conference before hosting the Béticos at 4:15pm (Spanish Time) this Sunday at the Power Horse Stadium (Matchday 15).
'In our situation, which is very bad, we have to wake up and reverse the situation now, although without going crazy. The players are training well on a day-to-day basis, they're united, motivated, eager to get themselves out of the rut, but things must be demonstrated on the pitch, in games,' the Basque Country native underlined.
Mr Garitano is confident that the first W of the season can become a reality this Sunday, despite the guests' enormous potential: 'In the last matches against Real Sociedad and Getafe CF, we were good... if we keep up the good work, although correcting and improving some details, the team will be more like the one we want so that they can achieve victory. We're close, and we have to achieve it, especially playing at home.'
'We all can't wait to win now, and I'm the first who wants my team to win. We need it for table ranking purposes, but also to believe in the work we're putting in so people can believe in us. It'd be amazing for us to play a good game and take the three points, the Rojiblancos' gaffer added.
The Verdiblancos are opponents with enormous potential and although they will visit the Spanish South coast after competing and losing to Sparta Braga in the Europa League last Thursday, the Bilbao-born head coach does not think that it will affect their game this Sunday: 'They've got two brilliant players. They'll surely make changes and won't think about Thursday's match.'
Except for those with long-term injuries, Gaizka Garitano has everyone else available for selection, and in this regard, he pointed out: 'This week, we had more players in training than ever and we were able train much better,' although UD Almería still lack a specific No 9. On that note, he made it clear: 'We have to play without a striker, but we must solve the difficulties and win, not making excuses.'
The UD Almería head coach has experienced situations like the one he is currently going through during his time as a player and highlighted: 'You must get through it with effort, desire, character...We still have time and we're not going to give up or stop believing; I won't let that happen, the squad has a positive attitude to move forward.'
The man in the driving seat of the UD Almería first team, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the loyal fans because 'their behavior is being exemplary despite our situation.'
'Actually, I've never been a loser and now I'm losing games. That's why I want to win as soon as possible, against Betis this Sunday,' he concluded.