Portillo: ‘The match against CD Lugo is one of the most important’
The midfielder points out ‘in the end, life and football will compensate us’ for all the unexpected setbacks that the team is experiencing
‘The match against CD Lugo is one of the most important of the season,’ exclaimed UD Almeria midfielder Francisco Portillo to the Club's official radio station UDA Radio. Picking up all three points at the Anxo Carro Stadium would mean ‘making our presence felt’ in the league, he stated.
The Malaga-born player argued ‘we had a competitive advantage, but now due to what’s happened unfairly, our rivals have closed the gap on us so we’ll go into the game with the confidence of being able to win and keep the gap open at the top of the table.’ He recognised that UD Almeria have no deep concern and they feel great confidence because they’re the current leaders and on top of that, the team are competing very well despite the absences. In fact, he indicated ‘we deserved much more in Las Palmas.’
It was rotten luck to get the match against CD Lugo called off just before Christmas when UD Almería was at their best. Misfortune struck before taking on FC Cartagena and UD Las Palmas as there were many players out of action through injuries and Covid-19… ‘When it rains, it pours. In the end, life and football will compensate us because we’re making a tremendous effort,’ the 31-year-old said.
Portillo recovered from Covid-19. He is now alive and kicking: ‘I began to have cold symptoms and I always tested negative on my PCR tests. One day I woke up feeling better and I thought it was over, but that day I tested positive without symptoms. I’ll be back in shape after a few days of training.’
Francisco Portillo highlights that UD Almeria are a team of deep humility who have their mind set on winning three points at a time. The Rojiblanco midfielder pointed out ‘we always give everything on the pitch and compete to the fullest without looking at the standings or beyond the imminent match. We know where we are, but also how difficult and tough this competition is,’ which is why he insisted on humility and hard work as two of the keys to achieve success this campaign.