Rubi: 'It wasn't difficult for me to make the players believe that we can do it'
The UD Almería head coach acknowledges the difficulties they will face at the Carlos Tartiere stadium against tough opponents, but he is confident in his team: 'The players are very focused and if we show the level we did last Saturday, we'll have a chance.' He expressed his gratitude and praised the efforts of the 200 travelling fans heading to Oviedo
UD Almería head coach Joan Francesc Ferrer Sicilia 'Rubi' discussed the challenge his team takes on this Wednesday at the Carlos Tartiere Stadium, where they must win by 2 goals against a formidable Real Oviedo to reach the play-offs final for promotion to the top flight. It is a really difficult objective, but at the same time, achievable. 'It wasn't difficult for me to make the players believe that we can do it. They've been showing me that since we arrived at the stadium. They're very focused on trying,' he stated.
In addition to this can-do attitude, it will be essential to 'be able to play the game we played last Saturday, although with a better aim. We know it won't be easy to create so many chances again, but with fewer and more precise chances, it may be worth it. The goal is to stay on track and show that we can play better than our rivals.'
'There was little time between one game and the next. What we've worked on has been to extend what we've been doing,' Rubi added.
'We're aware that we must stick together very tactically disciplined to make it difficult for them to score. If they score against us, let it not be for lack of attitude or for not having fought for every ball. If we don't score, at least let it be for us that we tried out hardest to have a small excuse,' he explained.
The Catalan wondered why his side did not manage to turn the tie around and recalled similar cases that have occurred in the promotion play-offs each season. He even appealed to Carlos Alcaraz's fighting spirit and ability to react in the Roland Garros final. In fact, he clarified: 'It can also happen in football.'
The Vilassar de Mar native praises the enormous potential of the Oviedistas, 'who haven't been behind for a minute since Paunovic arrived. It shows how well they're doing. The other day we were on the verge of breaking that trend: the ball went off the post and Nacho cleared it off the line... Stats are there to be broken, just like what happened to us when we clinched 7 back-to-back home wins and lost on Saturday.'
Rubi acknowledged that Real Oviedo, with the 2-1 lead they have from the first leg, will play their cards right, 'but sometimes teams get stuck in these situations, and if the opponents get on your nerves, creates danger and play well, they can create difficult moments for the team with the advantage. We may or may not succeed. Anything can happen,' he noted.
Another challenge will be the home-field advantage with 30,000 cheering and devoted fans. Speaking of the fans, Rubi thanked and highlighted the unrivalled support of the Rojiblancos' supporters. Around 200 fans will be at the Carlos Tartiere Stadium stands this Wednesday after a very long road trip. 'It's an extra motivation for us,' he said.
The UD Almería gaffer announced: 'There's good news' regarding Léo Baptistão, who was injured last Saturday. He also commented that Lucas Robertone will travel although he won't have many chances to play. Finally, Rubi acknowledged that they considered providing a private jet for Luis Suárez from Argentina, where he plays in the early hours of the morning with Colombia, but that it was taking too much of a risk because he will be playing with his national team and would be very short of time for the match in Oviedo.