Rubi: 'I value the victory a lot because it was against a great team'

UD Almería head coach Rubi shared his post-match thoughts on the vital victory over current LaLiga Hypermotion leaders. 'In the first half we performed much better; they had a few chances, but we controlled the game completely, limiting the opponents so they couldn't run and counter-attack. It's true that we created four or five chances, but we shot poorly on others. The second half was more even; Levante UD have grown and have been somewhat more active compared to the opening few minutes,' he pointed out. 

 

The Catalan assured: 'We've reached a stage of the league where we're no longer in the mood for mistakes. We have to give it our all in every game and stop making excuses. It seems like there's always time, but it runs out. We've stepped up a gear compared to previous matches; the team are more intense and more focused on the tasks. I value this victory a lot because it was against a great team.'

 

To approach the remaining 9 matches, the coach is opting for 'a classic game-by-game one.' We were 9 away from the automatic promotion spots, now 6, so we're not ruled out. We have to have a very strong end to the league; if we can reach those places...great, but at the very least we must secure the play-offs.' 

 

The UD Almería gaffer outlined his plan to overcome the Granota team: 'The idea for today was to be fairly in control because Levante UD are a team that, if you let them run, we would've seen a different game and suffered much more. This meant that we weren't as direct in some plays, but I reckon that's what the match required.'

 

Finally, the Vilassar de Mar native referred to the rocking atmosphere at home: 'The fans who come to the Stadium are helping us a lot and allowing us to get through those phases of the match when we're not so dominant. I think they're sensing our intention to make a strong final push.' Rubi insisted that he would like to see the stands full, although he emphasised that 'those who come are great.'