Alberto Lasarte: 'We needed a revolution; the team’s energy was depleted'

UD Almería 'B' head coach Alberto Lasarte has given his initial assessment of the team’s pre-season preparations, acknowledging the significant changes made to breathe new life into the squad. Speaking in an interview on UDA Radio, the Club's official station, Mr Lasarte revealed the drastic overhaul that has taken place since his appointment.

'This has been the most revolutionary year since I took charge. There have been many changes in the squad because the team's energy was depleted,' Lasarte explained. The Academy side is currently in its 5th week of pre-season training, with one more week to go before they shift focus towards the final preparations for their opening league fixture against Recreativo de Huelva.

Entering his 8th season at the helm, the gaffer expressed his unchanged enthusiasm for the job: 'I feel just as excited as I did on my first day here. It’s as if I’ve just arrived,' he said.

So far, 10 new summer signings have been brought in to strengthen the squad, with Lasarte hinting that more moves will follow as he aims to build a highly competitive team for the upcoming season. Despite finishing 6th in the table last year, the head coach is determined to prove the doubters wrong. 'There are already analysts and experts predicting relegation for us, but we’ll use that as motivation. It also serves as a wake-up call,' he noted.

Mr Lasarte is well aware of the challenges ahead, as 14 or 15 of the 18 teams in the group will be targeting promotion. 'That only makes us more determined, but we also remain on alert,' he added.

Pre-season results have been promising, with the forwards starting to find their form in front of goal. Lasarte emphasised his desire for a competitive team that can control the ball, move quickly, and attack down the flanks—an area the team struggled with last season.

While many of the players in the squad are young, Lasarte is also incorporating more experienced athletes to maintain a balanced team dynamic. He also sent a message of support to Félix Pérez, who is currently sidelined with a long-term injury. Pérez, one of the summer signings, had been a key target for Lasarte after impressing at Poli Almería.

'It’s a real shame about his injury. He was someone I was really excited about for this season. We're fully behind him and as I’ve told him, football will give him another opportunity,' Lasarte concluded.