Rubi: 'We're excited to get closer to the top-two spots'
The UD Almería gaffer warns his team must be ready for extra pressure from CD Castellón this Sunday
UD Almería head coach Joan Francesc Ferrer Sicilia, commonly known as 'Rubi,' spoke to the media ahead of his team’s crucial Matchday 11 encounter with CD Castellón this Sunday at 6:30pm at the UD Almería Stadium. With the league table tight at the top, Rubi is focused on further consolidating their position among the top teams.
'We’re excited to get closer to the top spots in the standings,' Rubi said. 'CD Castellón have an offensive and daring style of play that creates chances for all their opponents. We’ll need to be prepared for some extra pressure from them.'
When asked about absences in his squad, Rubi acknowledged the importance of the missing players but assured that those stepping in would also add value. 'They’re important because they’re high-quality, experienced players, but those who come out will also contribute,' he explained.
Reflecting on last season’s meetings between the two sides, where CD Castellón defeated UD Almería 5-2 in both encounters, Rubi dismissed any notion of revenge. 'There’s no desire for it. There will be few players who will return for both teams; these are different seasons,' he stated.
Rubi’s team is in good form, having gone five matches unbeaten after finding a solid balance between attack and defense. 'The goals we conceded at the beginning weren’t normal. Now we’re a tough team to beat, and by the end of the season, we’ll have decent defensive numbers,' he said.
Looking ahead, Rubi is optimistic about his team’s prospects at home and on the road. 'When we take the lead, we have to try to be closer to our second goal than to our opponent’s leveller, as happened in La Coruña and Córdoba,' he noted.
With a Spanish Cup first tie also on the horizon, Rubi emphasised the importance of securing a strong run of results. 'It’s a time to get a good haul with the support of our fans, who will also back us on Wednesday in Lorca.'
Rubi concluded by stressing the importance of focusing on the immediate challenge ahead: 'It’s time to focus on the match against CD Castellón and trying to secure another victory against opponents who will make things very difficult.'