Rubi: 'We wanted to win, but a draw is fair and valuable'
The UD Almería head coach reflects on hard-fought 1-1 draw with Córdoba CF at the Bahrain Victorious Nuevo Arcángel Stadium
UD Almería head coach Joan Francesc Ferrer Sicilia, also known as ‘Rubi’, spoke candidly after his side’s 1-1 draw against Córdoba CF, acknowledging that while his team had aimed for a victory, the result was a fair and valuable one.
‘We wanted to win, but a draw is fair and valuable,’ Rubi stated in the post-Córdoba press conference at the Bahrain Victorious Nuevo Arcángel Stadium. ‘It was a hard-fought match with a very high intensity. They started better, pressed us and made it extremely difficult for us to get the ball out from the back. But after taking the lead, we were in control. Then, in the second half, the fight was constant because we both went all out for a win,' he added.
The Vilassar de Mar native also commented on the controversial penalty decision that led to Córdoba CF’s equaliser. ‘I reckon there was a penalty, but I have doubts about whether Baba was fouled beforehand,’ the Catalan explained. He went on to praise the Blanquiverdes' attacking style but noted: ‘If the penalty hadn’t occurred, I don’t know if they would've scored.’
Reflecting on his team’s performance, Rubi pointed out: 'We did the hardest thing, which was to take the lead, although the point we took allows us to remain at the top of the table.’
The Catalan also expressed concern over Chumi’s injury, before wrapping up with a personal reflection on his 150th match in the driving seat of UD Almería: ‘It’s definitely a source of pride and I’m happy. I want to repay the trust and affection I receive from the Club and the fans by achieving the goal of promotion to the top division.’