Rubi: 'We should've put the game to bed earlier'
The UD Almería head coach reflects on the 4-2 win over Real Zaragoza and stresses the need for better finishing
UD Almería head coach Joan Francesc Ferrer Sicilia 'Rubi' was upbeat after UD Almería’s 4-2 victory over Real Zaragoza, a crucial result for the team's promotion ambitions, but he was also critical of his side’s failure to take their chances earlier in the game.
Ahead of the match, Rubi had emphasised the importance of the game, knowing a win would propel the team up the standings and that’s exactly what happened. The Rojiblancos are now perched in the promotion play-off spots, but Rubi was keen to highlight areas for improvement.
'My team suffered a little at times. There’s not a single game where that doesn’t happen. We should’ve put the game to bed much earlier,' the head coach admitted.
The victory marked four unbeaten matches in a row for UD Almería, with three wins and a draw, form that Rubi believes puts the team on the right track. 'We’re at a good level, and if we maintain this, we’ll be in the top positions,' he said.
Reflecting on the match, the Catalan added: 'Until the 2-0, a result we deserved, we had everything under control. But then they showed their pride, tried to get back into it and they succeeded.' He credited his side's attacking firepower for putting things right in the end.
The UD Almería gaffer also praised the defensive efforts of the entire team, including the forwards, who have been asked to contribute more defensively. 'That’s what we asked them to do," Rubi explained. Despite creating 14 shots on target, he lamented his side's lack of clinical finishing: 'It feels like we underestimate chances, thinking that if we miss one, we’ll just get another.'