Rubi: 'If you have 60/61 points like Málaga CF it’s because you’re doing a lot of things right'
The UD Almería head coach praises the opposition, calls for sportsmanship, highlights fan support and expects a tight, demanding match this Sunday
UD Almería head coach Joan Francesc Ferrer Sicilia 'Rubi' spoke ahead of Sunday’s home clash at the UD Almería Stadium. 'If you have 60/61 points, like Málaga CF, it means you’re doing a lot of things right,' said the gaffer also addressing statistics presented in recent days regarding his team’s record in direct clashes among the top-6.
'We still have to play Málaga CF, Burgos CF and UD Las Palmas… statistics don’t concern me. There are all kinds, but what matters is that we compete well this Sunday and win the match,' he added. He also highlighted the team’s strong home form: 'We’ve won 6 consecutive matches at home and we can match last season’s 7 in a row.'
The Catalan praised Málaga CF, currently 4th in the table and just one point behind the Rojiblancos: 'Over the last 15, 20 or 25 games they would be top of the league. Despite being heavily affected by injuries, they play very good football, they’re intense, they press high, go after the opponents, have very good players and a head coach who is doing a fantastic job. They’re fully involved in the promotion race and have created great excitement.'
Looking ahead to Sunday's encounter, the UD Almería head coach stressed the importance of the early stages: 'The start of the match will be key. Both teams come out strong, so we’ll see who takes control and what happens afterwards. Given how evenly matched we are, it'll be a long game.'
Rubi also underlined his team’s mindset going into the match: 'Our morale and fighting spirit are high. We are third, level on points with second place, fighting for promotion in one of the best moments in the Club’s history and we value that greatly.'
The Vilassar de Mar native emphasised what will be needed to secure a positive result: 'It'll be crucial to show our personality, our collective work and the football we play at home, which at times is overwhelming.'
With a great atmosphere expected at the UD Almería Stadium, Rubi also called for respect between supporters: 'The support of our fans is fundamental, especially in difficult moments. We’ve turned our Stadium into a fortress largely thanks to them and we're very grateful, as well as to the Club for the initiatives taken to ensure we feel backed in this final stretch of the season.'
Finally, Rubi confirmed the absences of Baba and Nico Melamed due to injury, along with Lopy through suspension, while Gui Guedes and Léo Baptistão return to the squad.