UD Almería head coach Xavier García Pimienta is taking nothing for granted ahead of UD Almería’s next league fixture against Real Oviedo. The Rojiblancos’ head coach has warned of the challenge posed by opponents who are in fine form, having won 3 of their last 4 matches and who will demand the very best from his side.

‘It’s not a difficult game. It’s an extremely difficult one’, the gaffer said during his usual pre-match press conference ahead of Matchday 11..

García Pimienta knows Real Oviedo head coach Julián Calero well, having faced him on numerous occasions. ‘I know what he’s capable of. He's got very clear ideas about how he wants his team to play’, the UD Almería first-team boss explained, describing Real Oviedo as ‘a recognisable side’ who competed in the top flight last season.

‘They've got good players and a clear objective. They’re in a good moment and have been getting stronger as the season progresses’, he added, referring to a team who also have players he has coached at previous clubs.

The Rojiblancos' head coach was keen to stress that no game has been straightforward for his team this season. ‘We haven’t had a comfortable game all season. We have to perform at our very best if we want to win. It’s a challenge and a demanding test’, he insisted, convinced that UD Almería will need to deliver their top level to overcome the Asturias side.

The Barcelona-born also reflected critically on the most recent match against Real Sociedad 'B'. ‘More of the game went the way they wanted than the way we wanted. We have to be realistic. For long spells, we struggled to control the match’, he admitted.

That performance has reinforced the need for his side to take a step forward in their play. ‘We must control games better and put our opponents under more pressure during those defensive phases’, he stated.

Finally, García Pimienta highlighted the importance of the supporters in what promises to be a demanding encounter. ‘Our advantage is playing at home, with our fans behind us. We owe it to them, and we want them to be proud of us. There will undoubtedly be difficult moments during the game, but their unwavering support can help us secure the win’.

The UD Almería head coach confirmed that Vesga, Chirinio, Ely and Melamed will all sit out Saturday's match.