Baptistão: I feel well, although I need to pick up pace

'I feel well, although I need to pick up competition pace,' stated UD Almería striker Léo Baptistão during a press conference in which he did not hesitate to say: 'I'm very chuffed to return to group training, to be named in the squad list and play the first few minutes,' and of course 'I'm happy about the draw achieved in Cádiz.'

 

The Brazilian centre-forward underwent surgery on 24th May by Drs Pedro Luis Ripoll and Niek Van Dijk for an Achilles tendon injury. His recovery period was estimated at about four months, but the deadlines were significantly shortened. 'I have to thank the work of the Club, which made everything easier for me to be operated on as soon as possible, and the UD Almería medical services, who have done a great job,' highlighted Léo Baptistão, who added that 'playing without pain is what I really want. In this way, I'll be able to contribute more to the team, either with goals, assists or just by giving it my all on the pitch.'

 

The 31-year-old footballer reappeared for a few minutes in Cádiz, where UD Almería earned a vital point. 'Last season, it was very difficult for us to pick up points away from home and now in the first trip, we've achieved a one-all draw. We need to round it off on Friday by beating Celta at home in a game that will be really tough,' he stressed.

 

Speaking of the imminent league meeting against the Galicians, the former Santos FC player explained: 'The rivals play with intensity and we have to beat them with more intensity. In addition, we'll have to pay attention to the details that can decide the match.' He also added: 'Celta play with fast transitions, they have quality and talented players up front. We'll have to be very focused.'

 

Léo Baptistão spoke about Kaiky and his equaliser at the Nuevo Mirandilla Stadium: 'When we work on finishing drills in training, he usually scores great goals. He has a good shot on him. I'm very happy for him; He truly deserves it.'

 

The Santos-born player also talked about the summer transfer window, which is still open when the fourth fixture of the league is going to be played. On that note, he pointed out: 'In pre-season, we were one team and now we're another. We need time because there are a lot of new people, some don't know the language and they have to adapt.'