UD Almería head coach Xavier García Pimienta has outlined the key ingredients his team will need to get back to winning ways against Cádiz CF, insisting that possession will be crucial to dictating the game. 'Everything comes down to being in control with the ball and having the majority of possession. We're up against a side who also like to play, with Celades bringing an associative style and an emphasis on possession. If they don't have the ball, they'll suffer and that will allow the game to unfold in the way we want', the head coach explained.

García Pimienta also stressed the importance of winning the ball back quickly when possession is lost. 'When we lose it, we must win it back as quickly as possible', he told the media in the UDA Stadium press room.

The UD Almería first-team boss is looking for an immediate response following back-to-back defeats on the road, acknowledging the impact they have had on the supporters. 'Those defeats hurt us a lot and we know what they've meant to our fans. Cádiz CF will be difficult rivals to beat, but we've worked hard all week to make sure our supporters can be proud of us this Sunday', he said.

The Barcelona native also admitted that there is still plenty of room for improvement, with the Rojiblancos continuing to develop their ideas: 'We still have plenty of room for improvement, as we've already shown. We need to be better in the duels, second balls and in possession.

'We're building something different from a methodological point of view and that takes time, but I don't want to make excuses. From this game against Cádiz CF onwards, I want us to start showing something that is closer to our playing philosophy.'

Positive assessment of the squad

This was García Pimienta's first press conference since the summer transfer window closed and he gave a positive assessment of the squad at his disposal: 'I'm happy with the squad because the latest arrivals, Javi Muñoz and Lelo, strengthen us and are going to help us loads.'

'There were opportunities in the market right up until the final moment, that's true, but we've got a squad with 2 players for every position and different profiles that allow us to play in different ways. There was a lot of noise around this transfer window and I'm convinced that from now on we'll be much more focused on the competition,' he explained. 

Sergio Arribas injury update

Asked about potential absences and specifically about Sergio Arribas, García Pimienta was clear that the Club will not take any unnecessary risks with the midfielder.

'I can assure you that Arribas has a problem with his ankle and we're not going to force anyone. We want our players to be fully fit and the pain in his ankle will determine what happens next. Arribas has enormous quality and as soon as he's ready, he'll help us and make a big contribution. He's a fantastic player and, on top of that, a great lad who has his feet firmly on the ground,' he stated.