Arnau Puigmal: 'In tough times, we stand up for each other and show that on the pitch'
The UD Almería central midfielder highlights team togetherness as one of the keys to the team's success. 'We're expected to be at the top and that means pressure, but we work better in that situation.'
UD Almería central midfielder Arnau Puigmal highlights the team’s unity as one of the keys to the team’s unbeaten streak this season: 'In tough times, we stand up for each other and we show that on the pitch. Last season, we didn’t know how to suffer; we struggled to pull through. Now it’s different as we feel more confident in difficult times.'
The 24-year-old player caught up with UDA Radio, the Club’s official radio station, just after 3 days of rest for the squad: 'This break has been very beneficial for disconnecting from the daily routine. The demands on us are extremely high, especially in this league, and we were coming off a 3-game week. Hard graft is important, but so is recovery and rest.'
Another aspect that the Barcelona-born midfielder valued is the team’s ability to read matches and adapt to any situation: 'In the last match against SD Éibar, we weren’t at our best individually, but we made up for it with our collective performance.'
UD Almería have reached the automatic promotion spots. When asked if this meant more pressure, he replied: 'We’re expected to be at the top. We’re one of the top clubs in the league and that does mean pressure, but we work better in this situation because it’s more motivation than nerves.'
On Sunday, there is another tough-looking encounter against AD Ceuta FC. 'They’re a newly-promoted team doing very well and being very solid at home, but we’re approaching it with confidence. We'll have to play very well at the Alfonso Murube Stadium to get any points,' he said.
This is the 5th season for Arnau Puigmal at UD Almería: 'I’m eager for more. I consider myself just another Almería native. I’m happy in the city, at the Club, and I feel loved by the fans, which I appreciate because it’s very important to me,' said the player, who has matured in every aspect over the years and contributed a lot to the team.