Press conference
Rubi: We must know how to handle the need we have to win the game
UD Almería head coach Rubi sees his players psyched up, calls for the fans' backing and does not take Elche CF for granted as they have just thrashed Rayo Vallecano
'We must know how to handle the need we have to win the game,' stressed UD Almería head coach Rubi as he previewed this Tuesday's clash against bottom team Elche CF at the Power Horse Stadium (KO 7:30pm Spanish Time). 'The dressing room are keenly aware of the importance of this game. I see my players psyched up and committed. They'll give everything but things may turn out better or worse,' he explained at the pre-match press conference.
At the same time, Joan Francesc Ferrer Sicilia 'Rubi' also wants to count on the UD Almería fans' backing: 'I hope the fans help us and give us that extra bit. Stadiums are now packed out in this final games and we need our fans to be there. They've always been with us, but now more than ever so that when go through a bad patch, we can get over it.'
After a packed schedule, the Vilassar de Mar native was pleased that 'we'll go into this game match-fit, with recovered players and no suspensions.'
In addition, Rubi warned about the difficulties despite the fact that Elche CF are already relegated in reality as they are the bottom team with 16 points: 'The rivals are playing very good football and worthy matches, and besides their style of play is really similar to ours... Having the ball and playing with combinations.'
Regarding the Ilicitanos, the Rojiblancos' boss pointed out: 'We can't forget that it's a top-tier team with top-notch players, however, sometimes things go wrong.' Meanwhile, as he added, 'they've been doing well lately. I liked them against Osasuna, Girona and Celta, and the fact of winning their last fixture and they way they did it will give them extra confidence and motivation tomorrow.'
When asked if this Tuesday could be a trap match, like the one against AD Alcorcón on the previous campaign, Rubi responded: 'Football teaches us lessons not every season, but every Matchday. FC Barcelona, who are title contenders, lost to Rayo Vallecano and the latter took a severe drubbing at the hands of Elche CF a few days later. Elche CF are showing great professional dignity as AD Alcorcón did it last year.'