First Team
Vicente Moreno: We're working to be good at what a match requires and win
The UD Almería head coach states that his objectives are being met, although there is still enough time to improve. He hopes to have a complete squad sooner rather than later and highlights the loyal support of the fans
'My ideal team, the one I want for UD Almería and the one we're working for, is the one that have the ability to be good in the different aspects that a match requires and also win, that's the objective,' told Vicente Moreno to the Club's official media at the end of the training camp in Benahavís. The new head coach also says that his objectives are being met, although there's still enough time to improve. He truly hopes to be able to have a complete squad sooner rather than later, highlights the strong support of the fans and provides his assessment of the pre-season so far.
-The pre-season campaign reaches its final stretch, what assessment can you make of the three weeks in which you've been at the helm of UD Almería?
-I knew most of the players football-wise, and this period is serving to know each other more on a personal level and especially that they know me professionally and know what I want from each of them. We're actually moving forward and in this aspect the objective is being met.
-Is the team doing as well as you wanted at this point in the pre-season?
-We are where we wanted to be when it comes to workload. There's planning done and although modifications can be introduced due to various circumstances, everything is going according to plan.
- Do you think that the players are learning the tactics that you're teaching them?
-When there's a change of head coach and before there was a long period with another head coach in the driving seat, there are concepts grasped and therefore, it's difficult to change the procedures, not because they're better or worse, but because they're just different. This is a process that we'll get done through hard work.
-What conclusions can you draw from the friendly matches played so far?
-The most important thing is to be able to see the things you want to practise, and if this leads to victories, even better. On that note, the results aren't the ones we wanted because we didn't win all the games, but there are some positive aspects and others with room for improvement.
-In his official presentation, Vicente Moreno said that the retain and release list was to be compiled and the situation remains the same at the moment.
-The Club and I think the same way. We know what we want and I know that they're working on it, but it isn't easy due to the transfer window and its dates. You need to have peace of mind and confidence in the efforts that are being made. We'll play three league fixtures with the transfer window open, so surely by the time the competition starts, we'll start with one squad and when the deadline comes, with another.'
-What objectives are set in this final stretch of the pre-season?
-We want to finish it in the best possible way based on work to continue improving and growing, and also winning games. Then, we want to focus on getting to league opener in the best shape to face it with confidence and power to clinch victory, which is the objective, although it'll be complicated considering the rivals, Rayo Vallecano, who have just had a great season.
-The vast majority of current UD Almería season-ticket holders have renewed their season cards, which means that the fans will be supporting the team. Did you know this fact?
-Not the exact number, but I do know that Almería is a very football-friendly city with an considerable number of fans whose support is essential. I expect a good connection between the team and the fans, although I understand that we have to offer them things so that they feel proud. They're the first interested in making this work and they'll show their backing. I have no doubt about it.
-Are you on the right track to place UD Almería where you really want?
-We're working for it, but we have to be patient and understanding with the difficulties we have. What I want is that when we add players, they're the ones we're really looking for and help us to improve.
-What team identity would UD Almeria have?
-We all have an idea of what we want; In my case, being a leading team, which have the ability to dominate… although this is really difficult in Primera Division. One thing is what one pretends and another the difficulty that we're going to find. For this reason, I believe that we must adapt and know how to handle all systems depending on the circumstances; basically, have the ability to be good at what the game requires and win, which is the goal and what's important.'