Ibán Andrés outlines key objectives for UD Almería Academy in 2025/26 season

UD Almería Academy Manager Ibán Andrés has shared his ambitious goals for the 2025/26 season, emphasising the importance of player development and team competitiveness. Reflecting on last season's near-promotion, Andrés remains committed to producing talent for the first team while ensuring the team's stability in their current division.

In an interview with UDA Radio, Andrés stated: 'Our objective is clear: to develop players for the first team and ensure we stay in our division. There is no alternative. I'm fully focused on replicating last year’s success and bringing through players like Bruno, Perovic, Peña, and Quintanilla.'

Youth development and local talent at the forefront

One of the UD Academy’s major goals this season is to nurture homegrown players. 'We want as many Almería-born players as possible in our ranks. More and more local players are moving abroad and when we have the chance to bring them back, we do,' explained Andrés.

He also discussed his vision for the Club’s second team, stating that it serves as a crucial platform for players to progress to the first team, while still providing experience to those who can guide the younger talents. 'Experience is key, especially when the team has faced a tough season. We need players who know how to compete at this level,' Andrés said.

New summer signings and leadership changes

Andrés also touched on the 10 new additions to the UD Almería first-team squad under head coach Alberto Lasarte, expressing confidence that these signings would contribute to the team's growth. Additionally, the Academy welcomed Juan Carlos Cintas as the new head of methodology, a role he steps into after his tenure with the U19 'B' team.