Embarba: 'Luis Suárez says I can match his goal tally, why not?'
The UD Almería right-winger and co-captain closes in on career-best Gmgoal record, focused on team success
Adrián Embarba is enjoying a stellar season with UD Almería, and he is just one goal away from equalling his best-ever scoring record. The right-winger and co-captain has been instrumental in his team's attacking play, demonstrating both hard work and consistency.
In a press conference at the UDA Stadium, Embarba reflected on his personal progress: 'From the beginning, I pushed myself to put up numbers because I always demonstrate hard graft and good play, but I made it my mission to get the numbers. I'm happy to be more decisive, more focused and of course, to have the confidence I feel from my team-mates. In that area of the pitch, I take responsibility and that's where my success comes from,' he said.
Embarba is now following in the footsteps of his former team-mate, Luis Suárez, who was the UD Almería top scorer last season. The two have spoken regularly, with Suárez encouraging Embarba to aim for his tally. 'I talk to him every week and he tells me I could reach his tally from last year. Honestly, I tell him, why not?' Embarba laughed.
However, while the 33-year-old is clearly focused on achieving this personal milestone, he emphasised that the team’s success comes first. 'What's clear is that I'm close to matching my best record and it's something I'm keeping in mind. It's a personal challenge; but of course, the team comes first: I'm happier if we win and I don't score than if I score and we don't win,' he explained.
Looking ahead to UD Almería's next match, Embarba previewed their clash with Cádiz CF, highlighting the defensive strength of their opponents. 'They're a very well-organised team and very difficult defensively because it's not easy to score against them. It should be a low-scoring game, so we'll have to make the most of our chances and not make mistakes. Garitano's teams are always difficult to play against and they go all out. It's going to be tough because in the Segunda, there's no team that won't make you suffer to get every point.'
UD Almería have also learned that CD Eldense will be their opponents in the second round of the Copa del Rey. Embarba shared his thoughts on the tournament: 'We're excited about the competition, just as Rubi expressed. Last year, I followed the match against Sevilla FC and it was exciting and hopefully we can experience something similar, but CD Eldense played in the Segunda last year and they will make it extremely difficult at their home ground.'