Rubi: 'We’re going to Burgos to win; we need as many points as possible'
UD Almería head to praises Burgos CF’s season, highlights both sides’ strong form ahead of Saturday’s game and describes the match as ‘a very exciting challenge for us.'
‘We’re going to Burgos to give our all to win because we need as many points as possible,’ said UD Almería head coach Joan Francesc Ferrer Sicilia 'Rubi' in his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s fixture at El Plantío stadium kicking off at 4:15pm.
With just 4 fixtures remaining in the league campaign, the battle at the top is tighter than ever and the pressure is immense. UD Almería will travel to Burgos defending second place in the table, a position that guarantees automatic promotion to the top flight, while the home side are aiming to break back into the play-off spots. It is like a final.
Rubi described the encounter as ‘a very exciting challenge for us,’ adding: ‘We are facing a team with enormous defensive strength and if we manage to win, it'd give us a huge boost in confidence.’
Asked about Deportivo’s match away to Cádiz CF on Friday, the gaffer insisted: ‘We have to remain indifferent to what happens on other grounds. We aren't only competing against Deportivo, but against many other teams as well.’ He pointed to the fierce competition both above and below in the standings due to the league’s remarkable parity. Although the Andalusian side are still hoping to catch the league leaders, they are also aware that any slip-up could bring more teams into the race for second place.
The Catalan also explained: ‘It's been a short week and we used Wednesday to continue the recovery process for some players. Yesterday and today we focused on preparing the match in every aspect and we're travelling with a very clear game plan. We know how to defend against Burgos CF and also how we want to attack them.’
The UD Almería head coach believes his side heads into the game in good form, although he was quick to point out that the Castilians are as well. ‘It’s true they haven’t won in their last 3 matches, but if you look at their previous run, it's been flawless. Burgos CF are having a fantastic season, they're tactically very well drilled and their numbers speak for themselves. Only Racing Santander have managed to score 2 goals against them; everyone else has scored one or none.’
Rubi also highlighted the challenge posed by the atmosphere at El Plantío stadium: ‘We're going to play in a stadium where the pressure on the visiting team is very intense.’
Even so, UD Almería will not be alone in Burgos and Rubi expressed his gratitude for the support of more than 400 travelling fans who will back the team on Saturday.