Speaking in the post-match press conference following the 1-2 play-off final defeat to Málaga CF, UD Almería head coach Joan Francesc Ferrer Sicilia 'Rubi' said he felt 'sad and devastated' after seeing UD Almería's promotion hopes come to an end.

'We were convinced we'd achieve it, but it slipped away from us,' explained the head coach. Few could have anticipated the outcome. UD Almería only needed a draw or a victory to secure promotion, yet ended up losing a match in which very little happened, although the decisive moments proved crucial.

'It"s been very hard,' said Rubi, before adding that 'this is by far the worst moment of my sporting career'.

In the build-up to the play-off final match, the gaffer had stressed that the occasion belonged to the players and the supporters. Reflecting on the atmosphere at the UDA Stadium, he stated: 'The fans did what they had to do and we let them down.'

The Catalan also congratulated Málaga CF on securing promotion to LaLiga EA Sports and thanked the UDA supporters for their unwavering backing throughout the season.

The UD Almería head coach acknowledged that 'we have to go through the grieving process. We spoke in the dressing room and we're indebted to the Club and the supporters. We fought until the very end and now we must learn from this situation, come back stronger and lay the first stone of a new project.'