‘We have to be very humble and we don’t have to think beyond the imminent game’
José Gomes states that ‘we have worked very well and now we have to walk out onto the pitch to prove it.’ He praises Lugo, who he defines as ‘very dangerous’
José Gomes, Almería’s head coach, acknowledges that they are highly motivated and really excited about the start of the season, in which there are high expectations, but at the same time stresses that ‘we have to be very humble, respect our opponents and not to think beyond the imminent game. The Rojiblanco head coach made these statements in a conversation with the club's official media on the day before their league debut.
‘We have worked very well, the players are actively involved in our game process and now it's time to walk out on the pitch to show all the hard work that has been done,’ he said. Then, he added that ‘this is a very complicated and tough competition, therefore you have to walk out on the pitch like we always do when in training, with a lot of energy and giving 110 percent.’
The UD Almería’s gaffer pointed out that ‘we must give everyone enough time to adapt themselves and focus on the tactical aspect especially’ arguing that ‘we have had a short time to work collectively’ because we must not forget that many additions to the squad have arrived gradually. In any case, he made it clear in this regard that ‘those who were already there have warmly welcomed the new team-mates, personally and in sports.’
Almería begin the championship on matchday 3 against adversaries who have already played the previous two match weeks, including a victory against Leganés. José Gomes acknowledged that ‘Lugo have already competed in games with points at stake and although we have not stopped, logically it is not the same. Besides, this circumstance is not an excuse’.
When he was asked about Lugo, he said that ‘they have experience so they know how to get it right. They are very clear about how to play, either with four defenders or three centre-backs and two full-backs. They don’t complicate things when they feel pressured by their opponents. On the other hand, they are very strong and dangerous when crossing the ball. It will be definitely a complicated game.’