'This UD Almería team will only get better. I have no doubt about that,' stated Álex Sola during an interview with UDA Radio, the Club's official radio station, as he looked ahead to Sunday's Andalusian derby against Cádiz CF and highlighted the team's desire to put the last two matches behind them.

'We're eager to turn the page after the last two matches, and what better way to do it than at home, in front of our fans, and in a derby,' said the Basque Country native ahead of the first home fixture since the team returned to action.

Sola also reflected on the nature of the second tier: 'It's a very demanding and competitive league. It's a long season in which anything can happen. We're a team with many new players and a new head coach, so we need time to build and develop. In addition, because of the play-offs, we started pre-season later than usual, and we have to make up for those weeks through hard work and commitment.'

On a personal level, the UD Almería player acknowledged that he is still adapting to his new surroundings. 'In the matches I've played, I haven't shown my best version yet. My level is much higher and I hope to get back to it as soon as possible,' he said.

Sola arrives at UD Almería after an outstanding campaign with Granada CF, which he described as 'one of my best seasons from a footballing point of view'. He also highlighted the influence of Pacheta, explaining: 'He understood me and knew how to get the best out of me.'

Asked about his preferred position, Sola explained that he has featured in several roles throughout his football career. 'I've played as a left-back and a winger, and even further forward, but I feel most comfortable in the wing-back role, with the whole flank to myself. What I want is to play and help the team as much as possible.'

A product of the Real Sociedad Academy, Sola spent 15 seasons at the Basque Country side. He has now committed his future to UD Almería until 2030, signing one of the longest contracts of his footballing career. 'I like the project and I have a lot of faith in it. We've got a clear objective, we know what it is and we're going to fight to achieve it,' he said.

However, Álex Sola is keeping his focus firmly on the immediate challenge: 'Right now, the only thing we need to focus on is Cádiz CF,' he added.

The new UD Almería player had already received plenty of positive references about the Andalusian Club before making the move. Among those to speak highly of UD Almería was Sadiq, whom Sola knows from their time together at Real Sociedad, as well as other former team-mates who have represented the Club.

Away from the pitch, Sola describes himself as a calm person, although he admits to taking the lead when it comes to providing the music in the dressing room. Born in San Sebastián, he remains closely connected to the coast and, as he explains: 'I really enjoy walking along the beach and watching the sunsets.'