Rubi: 'We’re playing against a top-team that will be high up in the standings'
The UD Almería head coach previews tough match against CD Leganés and reflects on returning to Butarque, where they celebrated promotion to the top flight on 29 May 2022
UD Almería head coach Joan Francesc Ferrer Sicilia, known as 'Rubi', discussed his team's current form, the strength of their upcoming opponents CD Leganés and shared his thoughts on returning to Butarque, a stadium with special memories for the Rojiblancos.
From the outset, Rubi acknowledged the challenge posed by CD Leganés, a team he considers stronger than their current league standing suggests: 'We’re talking about a top team, which it’s true, haven't had the best start to the season, but I reckon no one doubts that they’ll be one of the contenders to be at the top. Just like we experienced last season, it’s a bit difficult to get back to the top flight after relegation.'
Rubi also praised the Pepineros’ recent 2-1 victory over AD Ceuta FC, a match he described as particularly challenging: 'They managed to minimise AD Ceuta FC's threat; winning this game is a real achievement. They were superior to us in the early stages, they made things difficult for us. However, CD Leganés managed to counter that, which is very hard.'
The Catalan was asked about the emotional aspect of returning to Butarque, a stadium where UD Almería celebrated promotion to top-tier LaLiga on 29 May 2022. While Rubi stressed the importance of focusing on the present, he acknowledged the fond memories associated with the venue. 'On the one hand, we can't dwell on past events, but it's true that I was thrilled to read your articles, see the photos and remember everything that was achieved there that day. It's clear we hold very fond memories of that stadium, but tomorrow is a different match, a different season, different players...,' he reflected.
Looking ahead to the encounter in Leganés, Madrid, mthe Vilassar de Mar native expects a close, competitive encounter. 'I’m pretty sure it’s going to be an electric game and I reckon we’ll both try to keep possession from off too open,' he predicted, suggesting that both sides will look to control the tempo of the game and avoid an end-to-end battle.