Léo Baptistão: 'We must prove we're better at home'

Ahead of UD Almería’s upcoming clash with Sporting de Gijón, Léo Baptistão expressed his optimism and determination, reflecting on the team’s current form and the need to capitalise on home advantage.

'We’re excited to play at home, with the support of our fans and show that we deserve more points than we currently have,' the 33-year-old striker told UDA Radio. Despite the team’s mixed results, Baptistão believes UD Almería have been performing well: 'We’ve done enough to earn more points. There have been small details and circumstances beyond our control, but we remain a united team with great potential. Now it’s time to get the ball rolling and there’s no better place to do it than at home, in front of our supporters.'

The Brazilian forward also addressed the team’s defensive challenges, acknowledging that while UD Almería have been solid in most areas, defensive lapses have been costly: 'We’re working hard to improve. We concede goals despite the opposition rarely creating chances against us. There’s no lack of desire, effort or tactics. We just need to keep pushing, and the positive results will follow.'

Looking ahead to the match against Sporting de Gijón, Baptistão remains confident but focused on improvement: 'We want to win every home game. Sporting are a strong team, but we have to prove that we’re better. We need to bring more intensity, pay attention to the details and correct our mistakes.'

The former Brazil youth international also reiterated his commitment to UD Almería, a Club he is growing increasingly attached to: 'I’ve always been drawn to competitive teams and playing for a Club with such ambition excites me. I’m very happy in Almería and very eager to achieve great things here.'