UD Almería striker Miguel de la Fuente spoke to the media to discuss the team’s current situation. While offering self-criticism after the defeat in Gijón, he also expressed optimism about the challenges ahead, although as he pointed out: ‘Learning from our mistakes.’ The UD Almería forward made it clear: 'We want to keep 3rd place in the table and earn promotion to LaLiga.’

The first objective is precisely to maintain their current league position, something Mr De la Fuente considers vital since as he explained: 'Finishing 3rd gives you a slight advantage in the event of a draw in the play-off ties and allows you to play the second leg at home.’ 

The Rojiblancos depend on themselves and by beating Real Valladolid on Sunday, will secure that first objective. However, if they fail to do so, anything could happen due to the competitiveness of the table, even missing out on the promotion race altogether.
‘A lot of different scenarios can happen, yes, but the teams who should be worried about other results are our rivals because we’re the ones in 3rd place and we need to strengthen that position. We’ll go out to win,’ said Miguel de la Fuente.

Pucela have nothing left to play for and arrive with several absentees. Asked about this situation, he replied: ‘Out of professionalism, pride and the desire to win, we must remember they're still a great team. We cannot relax at all and we need to stay fully focused at every moment.’

The Tudela del Duero native was self-critical after the defeat in Gijón and after going 3 matches without a win: ‘We didn’t give a good image, especially in the first half. We know what we did wrong and we’re going to change it. You learn from mistakes. We’re approaching this week with maximum determination.’

‘Every player goes through different phases during the season and not every match turns out well, whether collectively or individually. I’d love to score every week and that’s not always possible. Everyone gives their all, whether things come off or not, but we make sure nobody can question our effort,' he added.

The 26-year-old also had words for the supporters: ‘We want to apologise for the image we showed in Gijón, but we hope they continue standing by us because we need them. We’re going to give everything because we want to reward them for the support we’ve received throughout the season. If UD Almería reach the play-offs ‘we have to celebrate it. It’s not what we originally wanted, but I already earned two promotions and it doesn’t matter whether you move up automatically or through the play-offs. Next season you’re still playing in LaLiga. It’s still a reward.’

The UD Almería striker also made one thing very clear: ‘What happened against those same teams during the regular season means nothing in the play-offs. It’s completely different, these are knock-out ties. We’ll go all in.’