Rubi: 'We're one of the favourites, but we must prove it'

'We're one of the favourites, but we must prove it,' stated UD Almería head coach Rubi in the pre-Santander press conference. He argued: 'They're going to tell us that we're the clear contenders for promotion and that we have a great squad. It's something that we accept because it's also true, but where we have to talk is on the pitch. But you also have to be humble because Segunda has already welcomed us all and we've seen that anyone can win in any stadium. This is something that we must be very clear about and I'm going to make sure that this is the case within the dressing room.'

The summer transfer window is still open and will end when the league has practically completed three Matchdays, something that Rubi does not like. When asked if he was happy with what he has and if he signed now to stay with the current squad, he did not hesitate to answer 'yes, absolutely.' On that note, he added: 'We have brilliant players and although they've come from being relegated, they want to redeem themselves, apart from the fact that I'm convinced that they can give a much higher level and this is my task.'

With regard to the rivals, Real Racing de Santander, he stressed: 'The first thing I want to do is show my recognition for the great season they had, in which due to the particular goal average, they were left out of the promotion play-offs. Their head coach, José Alberto, and his coaching staff are doing a great job and they usually start the seasons very strong. Last season, they won four-nil on the first Matchday. They have a very important daring attack. In addition, their Stadium with a great historical tradition.'

Despite all this, he has full confidence in his team and in being able to start the league positively. Rubi spoke about Nico Melamed's situation and pointed out: 'The Club is working as hard as possible to be able to register him,' also about Marc Pubill, about whom he commented: 'He's very well physically and with competition rhythm because he's just competed in the Olympic Games, although he's only been with us for a week and has had a few difficult days. Arnau Puigmal and Sergio Arribas have also recovered from their respective muscle discomfort. 

The Vilassar de Mar native heaped praise and show gratitude to the UD Almería fans for their support and the team and he even spoke, when asked about it, about the Sports Complex: 'I've seen the plans and the project that is being done, which is spectacular.'