Rubi urged everyone connected to UD Almería to come together and enjoy the moment after the team secured a place in the promotion play-offs with Sunday's victory over Real Valladolid.

Speaking at his post-match press conference, the UD Almería head coach stressed the importance of unity as the Club prepares for its bid to return to LaLiga.

'It feels as if there's no excitement about playing in the play-offs,' said Rubi, expressing his surprise at some of the criticism surrounding the team despite achieving the best possible position among the play-off contenders.

Responding to questions that challenged UD Almería's recent performances, the gaffer defended his players and highlighted what they have accomplished.

'Comfortable matches only come around once in a while. We've been fighting for automatic promotion right until the end, we've secured the best possible position heading into the play-offs, we've created numerous chances and kept a clean sheet. Talking about a crisis in this team seems excessive to me,' he stated.

The Catalan acknowledged that the pressure of the occasion had been evident, given what was at stake and the competitiveness of the division.

'We were suffering because of everything that was on the line and because of the level of the competition. At half-time we spoke, the players stayed composed and we produced a good second half,' he explained.

Looking ahead, the UD Almería head coach made it clear that the squad is fully focused on the challenge to come: 'Now we're going to prepare for the play-offs with all the enthusiasm in the world. Inside the dressing room we're convinced that we can achieve promotion and we're going to fight for it. But we need maximum support, just as our opponents will have from their own supporters.'

Rubi also praised the involvement of Club president throughout the day: 'The UDA President was with us before the match, encouraging us, and afterwards he came down to the dressing room to congratulate us. We're going to keep giving him reasons to celebrate.'

UD Almería now turn their attention to the play-offs, with the belief that their season still has its biggest chapter yet to be written.