Rubi: 'We must break down Cádiz CF’s defensive wall'

UD Almería face a tough challenge this Sunday as they look to break down Cádiz CF's formidable defence and extend their winning run to five consecutive victories at the UD Almería Stadium. With a game in hand, a win would keep the team among the top contenders in the standings.

In his pre-match press conference, head coach Rubi acknowledged the strength of the Cádiz defence, describing their defensive numbers as 'extraordinary.' The team has kept 8 clean sheets this season and is the only team in both the top and second divisions that has not conceded in the first half-hour of a match. 'They make it very difficult to create chances,' Rubi said, pointing out how few saves their goalkeeper has had to make. Despite this, he remains cautious about their attacking threat, with players like Suso, Ontiveros, and Roger capable of making a difference.

'My team has always struggled against Gaizka Garitano’s sides,' Rubi admitted, though he is optimistic this season. 'We are in good form, and we’ll see if we can break down Cádiz CF’s defensive structure while also controlling their attack.'

Rubi also stressed the importance of maintaining strong home form: 'There’s a lot of parity in the standings, and any team inconsistent at home will fall behind. We want to make the Stadium a fortress. A win against Cádiz CF would be our fifth consecutive victory, which is important for us.'

When discussing the match, Rubi emphasized the team’s growth and maturity, stating that they no longer get nervous in difficult moments. 'We need to be patient. When we don’t have the ball and aren’t creating chances, we must remember that the opponent will also be a factor.'

The Catalan gaffer also praised the loyal fans of UD Almería, noting the growing attendance at the Stadium compared to last season. 'It’s fantastic to see more and more fans supporting us, and we feel very comfortable playing at home.'

Finally, Rubi played down any desire for revenge following last season’s heated encounter at the Nuevo Mirandilla stadium, where UD Almería suffered four red cards, including his own. 'No, not at all. Cádiz CF’s players did what they had to do, fight to win. The decisions that day weren’t always accurate, but now they come off a game with a disallowed goal, which shows anything can happen,' he concluded.