First Team
Melero: 'Spanish Cup ties are to be enjoyed, but with the greatest possible ambition'
The central midfielder believes in UD Almería's chances to advance to the next round in the tournament and speaks out about CD Leganés: 'They're a strong, well-organised team defensively who makes few mistakes and have their attacking weapons.'
UD Almería central midfielder Gonzalo Melero has looked ahead to the Spanish Cup round of 16 tie against CD Leganés and talked about his career this season as a Rojiblanco. He seemed excited about hosting his former club SD Huesca next Sunday. The player began by commenting on the clash against the Pepineros: 'The team want to advance to the next round. We're re facing a very nice competition. This year we want to move up to the top flight and we believe we have the level to compete with these teams. They're games to make us strong and enjoy, but with the greatest possible ambition.'
'CD Leganés are having a good season. They're placed in a more or less comfortable zone in the table considering they're a recently-promoted team. They may let us have the initiative a bit, but they're a strong team defensively and well organised. They also make few mistakes and they have their attacking weapons,' said the Madrid native.
Melero reflects on the opportunity to go far in the Spanish Cup, which is a goal that keeps the dressing room excited: 'Whether passing or not does not guarantee you anything in the league. We must compete in every game, enjoy that we're five wins away from the title, which sounds impossible, but we have a golden opportunity. Always keeping our feet on the ground, but I see UD Almería capable of beating CD Leganés and then I hope to continue dreaming.'
Another of the topics discussed during the interview was about his position on the pitch. The midfielder feels satisfied with his performance to date: 'It's a position where I've always believed in my possibilities, I thought I could perform well. Because of my experience, I'm positioned where I need to be and that helps me win balls back, run a little less and arrive strong at those duels. I'm happy because I play regularly and the team are showing a good level.'
On Sunday, SD Huesca are visiting the UD Almería Stadium on Matchday 23. Melero played for SD Huesca in the past and it was a place where he lived one of his best years as a professional footballer: 'It's a very nice game, which I'm looking forward to playing. I'm happy with how they're doing due to the situation they're experiencing. They're very close to each other, which makes the most of their strengths. SD Huesca are in the play-off zone with very clear ideas and a very exciting year for them again.'