Press conference
Rubi: 'There's no favourite team to win this match'
The UD Almería head coach believes that it will be a competitive match 'between two evenly-matched teams that are clear contenders for promotion to the Primera Division.' He expects to count on the unrivalled support of the fans
UD Almeria head coach Joan Francesc Ferrer Sicilia looked ahead to Saturday's match against Granada CF recognising at all times the offensive potential of both teams and the difficulty of the clash. 'It's an Andalusian derby between two very important teams in the tier due to the quality of the squads. The outcome is uncertain due to the strengths and the amount of resources that we both have, the keys will be seen more at the end of the match than before, but it's clear that the victory will be for the one who weakens the offensive potential of the other,' explained the Catalan.
Rubi explained how the team are feeling physically on Matchday 17, after having played the postponed match against Córdoba CF last Tuesday: 'It's true that we arrived fairer, there's no doubt. They've had all week to prepare for the meeting. We have players who have played a lot of minutes and there's fatigue, blows... Let's hope that, if one of those footballers has to be used from the off, they will fight to the death anyway and endure as long as they can. All this does not have to be an excuse to go for the win.'
The Vilassar de Mar native valued the step forward and the commitment of his entire squad in recent games: 'We have more than 11 players at a very high level. We downplay the importance of a player starting on the bench because, in addition in this division it's normal that the matches are decided in the second half, therefore the changes are very relevant. When the footballer understands that coming off the bench is not a punishment, but rather that it'll be useful in the second period, it guarantees involvement; which is the most beautiful thing.'
The UD Almería gaffer is sure that 'there's no favorite for tomorrow due to the series of conditions of the match, more than ever. You could say the one at home, but it comes with more match fatigue. For me, the two sides are contenders to fight for promotion and therefore, the differences are minimal.'
Finally, Rubi addressed the fans to acknowledge their unrivalled support game after game: 'Enjoy the game, which will be very hard and demanding against great rivals and let there be sportsmanship with the visiting fans while we play football, I hope that our supporters can leave proud that the positive streak continues.'