‘I want the fans to see that we’re going for it’
During the pre-match presser, Rubi implores ‘Rafa Nadal’s fighting spirit’ to stage a comeback against Girona FC at Juegos Mediterraneos
Yes. Some clubs have recorded mind-boggling comebacks of epic proportions in football history. Overcoming a huge deficit to pull out an emotional win is not a piece of cake. That is exactly what UD Almeria will be looking to achieve this Saturday in a bid to book their place in the play-off final for promotion to LaLiga Santander. Head coach Rubi pointed out ‘Beyond the smoke and mirrors, the truth is that we know that it’s obviously really difficult. But I want to be optimistic about the possibility of playing the game that interests us the most to create a situation. We must play a match of great intensity to score goals but without neglecting to defend so as not to concede goals. Effectiveness is going to be key. We’re a team that create big chances whenever we pluck up courage. If we manage to score that goal, we’ll become very dangerous. Effectiveness will be key.’
Meanwhile, the Catalan also urges his team to pin their faith on their chances of success: ‘We’re going to give it our all. We’ve received a massive blow last Wednesday. We’re going to bring about a situation that we know is complicated but we’re going to overcome it. Anything can happen. In the other play-off semi-final between Rayo and Leganes, there were 20 minutes to go when the score was still nil-nil and suddenly, Rayo netted three. There are many examples in football that show that anything is possible when you believe. Zaragoza fighting back against Girona to recover from a 0-3 first-leg loss, Mallorca turning the game around versus Dépor ... an athlete who throws in the towel early is useless. It’s the Rafa Nadal’s fighting spirit: if you’ve lost the first two sets, don't give up. This Saturday, those starters have to die trying.’
The UD Almería first team will once again have some of their fans back into the Juegos Mediterraneos after more than a year: ‘I cannot ask the fans for anything. It’s a deep pleasure to have them back in the stands and I only hope that we’ll give them many reasons to support us and believe in the comeback. Let them see that we’re really going for it,’ Rubi exclaimed in the press room.