Pepe Mel: 'We have tactics to hurt Real Sociedad'
The Rojiblancos head coach, who would like to captain the UD Almería project for next season, highlights that there are many reasons to continue fighting until the end of the campaign
'We have tactics to be able to hurt Real Sociedad,' said UD Almería head coach Pepe Mel in the pre-match press conference. The Rojiblancos will play this Sunday in San Sebastián and no one is aware that the league safety are limited, although mathematically it is not confirmed, but the gaffer, who is also aware of this fact, thinks that they will not give up, quite the opposite. As he emphasises, there are many reasons to continue fighting until the end of the season.
On that note, Mr Mel reflected: 'We have eight games left that are going to be difficult, but we defend an important Club, which is in the top division, a city, fans... we cannot let them down.'
In addition, as the Madrid native added: 'The footballer always wants to win without forgetting that we have to be ambitious, show that we're a good team, enjoy competitive games like the one against Real Sociedad, Villarreal CF or FC Barcelona… and get people hooked because they pay to see what we do on the pitch.' With these in mind, he expects a good UD Almería squad at the Reale Arena, and he indicated: 'We have the experience of Las Palmas and perhaps San Sebastián a match that can be similar. It went well for us then and we're going to try to be in control of the game, defending away from our area and making them run backwards.'
On this same topic, Pepe Mel highlighted: 'We have to make our strengths prevail over our weaknesses.' He is aware of the difficulties of the meeting and in fact, he praised the rivals: 'In the Primera Division, there's no easy game and everything is complicated, but on top of that, Real Sociedad are doing very well and they have been brilliant for the good work of their coaching staff and their team of players in the last seasons. They have a well defined game plan, good football that everyone likes to see. They have had a setback, although they are already recovering from it.'
The Indálicos' gaffer valued Koné's call-up to the game after 6 months; the bright future ahead of Marcos Peña... and on the contrary, he regretted the absences, especially in the centre of the defence 'which makes us have to move pieces,' in reference to Edgar's position.'
The head coach was asked if he would like to continue at UD Almería next season, to which he responded: 'It doesn't depend on me, but it'd be very important to captain the new project and start from the pre-season, when the foundations are laid. It'd be very nice. I already said when I arrived I needed to get to know the Club, and I'm delighted, the same as with the city and its people.'