Rubi: 'It's going to be a competitive match to show what's at stake'
The UD Almería head coach describes the match against Racing as 'thrilling,' although he acknowledges: 'It's not decisive, but we want to win it to take steps forward.' He also appreciates the support of the fans: 'We must create great momentum to try to remain 6th and enter the play-offs in this atmosphere.'
UD Almería head coach Joan Francesc Ferrer Sicilia 'Rubi' talked to the media ahead of the crucial clash against Racing de Santander. 'It's a highly competitive match because two teams will be going all out for the win from the get go and there's a lot at stake, but it's also true that it's not decisive; obviously, we want to win it to take steps forward. What's clear is that it's going to be a thrilling match and a place to show what's at stake,' he stressed.
Regarding the tough defeat to Cádiz CF he believes: 'We've moved on quickly. It's true that it hurt us a lot; we obviously suffered and we need to accept that. We must focus on the game; we can't focus on things we can't control.'
The Catalan expressed his gratitude for the UDA fans, who are preparing a spectacular pre-match reception: 'It demonstrates once again the maturity of our fans, who know how to respond to the team's work when it's good, even if we haven't achieved a positive result. Above all, what interests me most is that we must create great momentum to try to remain 6th in the table and enter the play-offs in this atmosphere. It's time to make that final effort so that all the players feel supported.'
Rubi will not be able to sit in the dugout after being shown a straight red card in the previous match. 'The sanction is always the same for all coaches; there has always been the same criteria, but it's true that it seems excessive to me to have to sit out two fixtures. I'm going to manage it as best I can. I have my coaching staff ready, with whom I'll be communicating. From above, sometimes things are seen even more quickly, but of course, I'd prefer to be on the bench pushing the players,' he pointed out.
Finally, the Vilassar de Mar native referred to the Cantabria side as 'the team that has scored the most points away from home. They've been doing great. They've only been outside the top-six for two weeks and they have significant strengths in their attack. It's going to be a nice match to watch because they tend to take the gane to their opponents. It's definitely going to be really exciting.'