Garitano: "We're playing play at home, we have the need to win and we can do it"

UD Almería head coach Gaizka Garitano has looked ahead to Saturday's fixture against Real Sociedad (KO 4:15pm Spain Time/ Matchday 13) and has highlighted: 'We have to compete and if we want to be in the Primera Division, we must beat teams like them.' 'We're playing at home, we have the need to win and we can do it,' he added.

Regarding the Basque Country outfit, the Rojiblancos' gaffer is well aware that Real Sociedad are a brilliant team with many resources. They press high, they run, they do everything well, they put their heart and soul into the game, they've been coached by Imanol for many years and it's one of the best teams not only in Spain, but also now in Europe,' although he stressed 'but, I'm confident that we can beat them.' 

The man in the driving seat of UD Almería has been in charge of the team for just over a month, but he is clear about the style of play he wants his team to impose: 'We like pressing high, bossing in the opposing half, playing with an attacking mentality and therefore, we have managed to do it at times, but we must extend it over time and make it last the entire game.' 

Then Mr Garitano stressed: 'We must be solid at the back, but we cannot forget the attacking third, we have to find balance. We cannot miss out on the good things we've got by defending properly.

Step by step, the team is taking in the style imposed by Gaizka Garitano, but the head coach assures: 'It's being an long process, we've had many injured players. This week is the first that I've been able to work with the majority of players. We're competing better and better and, if we manage to have the ball, we have many chances to defeat Real Sociedad.'

Finally, the Bilbao-born coach send the much-needed player No.12 a message before the game: 'When the UD Almería fans see that we bring them joy, they'll be even more supportive. I'm pretty sure that we'll count on them cheering on us this Saturday and we really appreciate it.'