Rubi: 'We want to beat a top team like Dépor'
The UD Almería head coach treats the visit of Deportivo La Coruña as a final and calls on the unrivalled fans to drive the Rojiblancos in the promotion race over the second half of the season
UD Almería head coach Joan Francesc Ferrer Sicilia, Rubi, has underlined the importance of Saturday’s Matchday 22 game against Deportivo La Coruña, describing it as a final despite acknowledging that the season still has a long way to go. The encounter at the UD Almería Stadium opens the second half of the campaign and the Catalan head coach wants his side to start strongly in front of their supporters.
'I’m a realist and I know nothing will be definitive after this match. There is a lot of parity and there are still 20 Matchdays to play,' Rubi explained during his pre-Dépor presser.
Nevertheless, the Rojiblancos boss made clear how significant the fixture feels. 'We’re excited about beating a top team like Deportivo La Coruña. They're rivals who are also fighting for promotion and we’re playing at home. I want to treat this game like a final because we want to win. It'd be a big boost at the start of the second half of the season, especially after the good performances we showed in the first half against teams near the top.'
The Vilassar de Mar native also highlighted Dépor’s strengths, warning of their attacking threat: 'They’re very dangerous on the counter-attack, but they also like to play their own game. They showed that against UD Las Palmas and in the Spanish Cup against Atlético de Madrid. We’ll try to keep possession, although we also want to run.'
The gaffer praised the Club’s January reinforcements, Miguel de la Fuente and Jon Morcillo. 'That’s exactly what we were looking for: players who already know the league and don’t need time to adapt. They bring experience, quality and a lot of enthusiasm.'
Rubi confirmed the return of Nico Melamed, Pedro Fidel and Soko, with Bonini, Chumi and Lopy the only absentees. 'Once we have everyone back, we’ll be able to regain the stability we had in October and November,' he said.
Looking at the standings, Rubi remained satisfied. 'Taking 4 out of 6 points in 2026 isn’t bad,' he stated, before giving his verdict on the first half of the season. 'It’s been very good. We’re 3rd, just two points off the leaders and the runners-up.'
Finally, the Catalan stressed the key role of the fans in the promotion push. 'Our supporters are just the best,' he said, calling for their unconditional backing throughout the second half of the campaign. With that support, Rubi is convinced UD Almería can achieve their objective by the end of the season.