Gonzalo Melero: 'We want to demonstrate our aspirations from the beginning'

'We want to demonstrate what our aspirations are from the beginning,' said UD Almería central midfielder Gonzalo Melero in an interview with UDA Radio, the Club's official radio station. The team co-captain, who is preparing to complete his third season at  UD Almería stated: 'We've had a good pre-season, which has been really demanding and we believe that we're well-prepared' to face the challenge from which no one is hiding, neither in the squad nor in the coaching team, which is none other than 'fighting for promotion.'

On that note, when asked if they were already putting too much pressure on themselves to start, he responded: 'Obviously, we're going to have it, but we must learn how to handle it. We must be responsible and assume which Club we're in and where we want to go.'

The Rojiblancos' squad is the same as the one  that were relegated last season, although he clarified: 'The fact that we [players] know each other is a plus and it has nothing to do with what happened the previous campaign. What's more, we also learn from bad times, although since his arrival, Rubi told us to forget about the past.'

The presence of the Vilassar de Mar native head coach is another aspect to take into account, since as the Madrid-born footballer argued: 'He knows most of us and how to lead us. In terms of football, the team is going to have its own identity from the beginning and this is vital.' 

Melero is going to experience his third year under Rubi's guidance: 'With him, I made the leap to Primera Division and his presence at UD Almería was one of the main reasons that led me to sign for this Club.' 

The central midfielder highlights the competitiveness and toughness of LaLiga Hypermotion, which will even have a higher level if possible with the sides that have been promoted and also with those that arrive from the top flight. 'Every game is going to be a war,' he stressed. To begin with, UD Almería will visit Real Racing de Santander 'who stay up reasonably comfortably in the second tier and have been doing very well for several years. Last season, they were on the verge of entering the promotion play-offs and in their Stadium [Campos de Sport de El Sardinero] they became very strong and play attacking football,' Melero indicated and then stated: 'In the face of all this, we have to be prepared and extended focused.'

The Madrid native player praised the UD Almeria loyal fans, about whom he pointed out: 'After how hard the previous season was for them, they've responded again,' in reference to the 15,000 season-ticket holders who have signed up, and he did not hesitate to emphasise the following: 'We have to play well on the pitch in return,' which is what they expect and what they want.'

Personally, the 30-year-old player claimed to feel happy and optimistic: 'Last year, I needed to undergo surgery and now I guess I've had a good pre-season and I'm looking forward to the league starting. I want to contribute, help and make up for last season.'