Marcos Lluna: 'Tracking back against Albacete will be crucial'
The UD Almería player explains the key behind the team's turnaround and delivers an in-depth preview of the trip to the Carlos Belmonte stadium
Rather than reinventing themselves, UD Almería have halted their poor run of results by relying on what they already had: an exceptional dressing room. That was the clear message from Marcos Luna in a football-focused interview on UDA Radio, the Club’s official radio station.
'We looked each other in the eye and said we could give more. The team have always been very good from the start and when things have gone badly, it’s shown. That’s when you need a strong group where team-mates help one another. Coming together, talking things through and being honest with ourselves has been fundamental,' he explained.
The Rojiblanco defender went into further detail: 'It was said that AD Ceuta FC had to mark a turning point, just like when we went there and things suddenly changed. We got our first win against them and then we’ve managed to build on that with 4 consecutive victories. We want more.'
Reflecting on what had been missing, Luna was candid: 'We realised that in terms of quality we’re one of the best squads in the division, but we were lacking intensity in duels. No one can beat you for desire; you might lose because of wrong decisions or because you don’t take your chances that day. But nobody can beat you for desire. And if you combine quality and hunger, you see the results.'
Looking ahead to Friday night, his ambition is clear: 'We love that it’s coming so soon because when you’re in good form, all you want to do is play. A win would give us huge confidence and if we take the 3 points, we’ll be top at least for that night and, at worst, in the automatic promotion spots, which is our objective.'
Luna also spoke about his relationship with Chirino and the guidance he has received from the head coach, before analysing Albacete Balompié in detail: 'At home they usually get strong results because they’re comfortable sitting in a low block and breaking in transition. That’s why we’ll have to be very sharp with our tracking and defensive balance, because if we lose the ball and they counter, we’ll suffer.'