Ely: 'We have to put all our focus into every ball'

With several days still to go before UD Almería’s next match, the captain’s armband is already soaked in sweat. Rodrigo Ely’s words in the press room reflected total commitment: 'We know that in this sport many things can happen, but first we have to do our job. Then we’ll see what happens. We must put all our focus into every ball and every phase of play.' That match, one that still depends entirely on the Rojiblancos, comes against Sporting de Gijón.

'It’s a very difficult game and at the same time very important for us. We know what’s at stake. We must turn the page after the other day, get back up and carry on. Fight to the maximum. What we cannot do is fail to win our own matches,' explained the centre-back.

UD Almería no longer depend on themselves for automatic promotion, but they do for securing a play-offs spot from 3rd place.

'We still have that objective of achieving it, but if it comes through the play-offs, maybe the final feeling will be even greater because of the difficulty. It doesn’t matter how promotion comes, because the important thing is to get there. Hopefully, in a short time, we’ll be out in the streets celebrating with our people and enjoying being in the biggest stage of Spanish football, which is Primera.'

The Brazilian defender also commented on head-to-head results and a possible play-off scenario: 'The past is the past and if we enter the play-offs it'll be a completely different story from the league matches. I want the excitement and the energy of wanting to be in the top flight to be felt...that feeling has to be in the air.'