Rubi: 'We're facing a tough match against opponents who play good football'
The UD Almería head coach sends a message of condolences and solidarity for the victims of the fires in León and elsewhere in Spain. He also welcomed the return of Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa to LaLiga
UD Almería head coach Rubi looked ahead to this Sunday's match against Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa at the Reino de León Stadium (Matchday 2). However, before addressing the match, he wanted to send, on behalf of the Club, a message of solidarity for everything that is happening in the province of León and other Spanish provinces due to the forest fires: 'Our condolences to the families of the deceased, our support to all those affected and our admiration for those risking their lives in the firefighting efforts.'
Then, focusing on football, the gaffer welcomed the return of Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa to LaLiga Hypermotion 7 years later. 'I want to congratulate them for having a brilliant season with attractive, attacking play. They also were third-tier Group I winners, a division that is showing great talent.'
Regarding this Sunday's match and speaking about the opponents, Rubi clarified: 'What happened to them on Matchday 1 was an accident because they were reduced to 10 men in the first minute. This match didn't do us any good and we've analysed it based on the pre-season.'
'We're in for a tough match, like in the Spanish Cup, against opponents who play good football,' he commented. The head coach recalled that last season, in the Spanish Cup tournament, 'there were spells in which they performed better and others in which we prevailed.'
UD Almería are coming off a 4-goal deficit in their league debut. When asked if he had done any special work over the last few days, he replied: 'We've continued to insist. I've already said that in pre-season we dedicated a lot of time to the defensive aspect, but then the competition reveals whether it has sunk in. Consolidating that requires time, training, especially with new players... without forgetting the opponents' accuracy.'
But while the Rojiblancos conceded 4 goals, they also scored just as many and they want to keep that attacking strength up, albeit with greater solidity at the back. 'We want to take the initiative in both home and away games. Last season, we struggled quite a bit on the road, but now, through solidarity, unity and hard work, we must be more resilient, more compact, and present a more solid image.'