Mohamed El Assy: 'Rubi has changed the mentality of this squad'

UD Almería Managing Director and CEO Mohamed El Assy spoke on UDA Radio about the team's latest news in an interview conducted in Spanish. He is happy with the progress of the team: 'Rubi has changed the mentality of this squad.' 

 

The UDA CEO explained: "We've always had full confidence in the squad. I already said it last season and at the beginning of the current one. The thing is that it was necessary to adapt to the new division and for the players to believe in themselves after a year in which they only won 3 games. The head coach has been able to handle all of this perfectly and little by little we've been improving. Before, footballers could think about changing clubs after relegation, now everyone is in the same boat and this is noticeable in their performance. I truly hope the team are able to extend this good run of results. Let's see what happens in the next matches.' 

 

His fully believes in Rubi. He even sees him 'with greater enthusiasm and motivation than in his previous stage. He's facing quite a challenge at UD Almería,' Mr El Assy added.

 

Mohamed El Assy regretted the injuries that are piling up: 'Last season we had several fractures in the forwards, now three midfielders are out. I hope this changes and that the players can return as soon as possible. Robertone will be ready soon and Gui, maybe in February… With Baba we'll have to wait longer.' The Managing Director was asked about the January transfer window and responded: 'There won't be many moves. We're planning the winter and the summer. We think about the present and the future in constant contact with the head coach. We'll see what happens when the time comes, although we do want to strengthen the defence.'

 

In recent weeks there has been a lot of talk about Sadiq in the media, with Mr El Assy commenting: 'He, like Darwin Núñez, Ramazani, Samú Costa... are like my little brothers. They're children of this Club, and we've got very good relationships with them.'

 

The Club CEO was also questioned about striker Luis Suárez and he made it clear: 'When we transfer a player we do it thinking about both the Club and the footballer. He has great value and will only leave for the same amounts as Darwin, Sadiq or El Bilal were transferred. Thanks to the sale of these professionals, the Club has been able to continue with this project because since our arrival we've always opted for young players and attacking football. We'll continue like this.' 

 

'They (fans) support us a lot and we really appreciate it. They believe in this project and since our arrival a new generation has emerged. When things are going well they praise and congratulate us and when they go wrong they criticise us, something that's normal, accepted and we want it to be that way because it demands of us. The pressure is positive,' Mohamed El Assy said about the loyal fans who are enthusiastically showing their backing week after week. 

 

Although the Club's Managing Director preferred to focus on the present and not say much about the future, he did point out that in the imminent 2025 there will be more information about the UDA Sports complex and that in case of promotion to Primera, there will be a second phase of the UD Almería Stadium works, and thus fulfilling his objectives in the management of the UD Almería.