Fernando: Being outside the relegation zone shouldn’t confuse us
The UD Almeria goalkeeper and skipper states that now they feel less stressed when it comes to playing, but this should not lead them to take any game for granted
UD Almeria goalkeeper and skipper Fernando Martinez was the next guest to meet the assembled journalists at the press room not only to reflect on the campaign but also to look ahead to Saturday's fixture against Athletic Club de Bilbao. The Murcia-born keeper stated: ‘Our situation is now better than it was a couple of Matchdays ago, but being outside the relegation zone shouldn’t confuse us. It’s true that we feel less stressed when it comes down to playing, but that can’t lead us to take any game for granted just because we’re three points clear of the bottom three on a better goal difference. The bottom half of the table is really tight.’
The UD Almería captain assures that the next 4 matches that they are going to play over the next 10 days can be decisive towards survival: ‘If we manage to get a few points now, we’ll reach the final games with more peace of mind. We’re mentally in a good place and hopefully, we’ll face the last matches in a comfortable zone.’
The Athletic Club de Bilbao squad includes the skillful Williams brothers ‘who always perform a leading role and even more so when they’re on a good run, but to be honest, I prefer Athletic as a block because of how they compete in each game. Our head coach told us that they’re coming off beating our direct rivals away from home so we really want to defeat them.’
The UD Almeria’s man in the nets is having a brilliant season and is usually chosen as the MVP. On that note, he pointed out: ‘I never pay attention to the individual accolades, but rather to the group as a whole; the only objective is staying up and that’s all that matters to me.’
The 32-year-old also spoke about the controversial refereeing ruling: ‘We should remain outside this matter because in the end, it doesn’t help anyone to issue statements. If we all try to help them, refs can do their job better for sure.’
With regard to the Rojiblancos’ unconditional supporters, the goalie highlighted: ‘I’ve noticed that the fans have always given their all when we needed it most since the end of last term when we earned promotion. Every little counts in the last games and their backing both at home and away is essential.’
UD Almería still have to face rivals with the likes of Getafe CF, RCD Mallorca, Real Valladolid CF and therefore, the team needs to ease their relegation worries. ‘We have to know how to control our emotions and display our skills when playing these games. There’s a lot at stake and we’ll have to pay attention to every detail,’ he advised.