Álex Muñoz: ‘I’ve seen a change of mindset in everyone’
The UD Almería defender says the turning point has made them ‘play with more intensity, attacking power and 100% focused.'
UD Almería defender Álex Muñoz has spoken of a clear shift in mentality within the squad, pointing to the victory over AD Ceuta FC as the moment everything changed.
‘Since the win against AD Ceuta FC we’ve had a change of mindset. We needed that first half to prove to ourselves that with that mentality, we're who we really are,’ said the centre-back.
‘December and January weren't good months. We were drifting and not fully convinced. But after that turning point in that game, something tells me everything will go well from now on.’
Muñoz was specific about the improvements he has noticed: ‘We’re coming out with more intensity, more attacking power and 100% focused. In those months we weren’t good, either individually or collectively, but the important thing is that we’ve taken a step forward in terms of mentality and concentration. That’s where we’ve increased our ambition to earn promotion to the top division.’
UD Almería’s back-to-back victories have not come without tension. ‘After a negative run, you usually win the next game by suffering. You never win comfortably after a poor spell. Obviously we want to control matches more, like we did in Ceuta, but it’s natural for past doubts to creep in and create some insecurity. That happens to every team, but the key thing is finishing the job and winning,' he explained.
Looking ahead to the first of two consecutive home fixtures, the San Juan de Alicante native acknowledged the challenge posed by FC Andorra: ‘They created a lot of chances against us in the first half of the season meeting and it'll be difficult here as well. They’re a different kind of opponents in this division. They like to combine, keep possession and take the initiative. But we have to assume responsibility and make sure no team comes to our Stadium and dominates us.’
The 31-year-old outlined the blueprint for success: ‘We need to start focused, aggressive on the attack, pressing high and with clear ideas. From there, our team always find chances and goals.’