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Rubi: ‘The game against Ponferradina will be a test for us’

UD Almeria head coach conveys his heartfelt condolences to the families of Raúl from Grada Joven fan club and the wildland firefighter who died in Malaga

‘The game against Ponferradina will be a test for us,’ exclaimed UD Almeria head coach Rubi when looking ahead to Sunday's match at El Toralín Stadium during the pre-match presser. Before starting the meeting with the media, the gaffer sent his heartfelt condolences to the families of Raúl López Segura, a member of the Grada Joven fan club, who died at dawn last Monday and the Almeria-born wildland firefighter who died while on duty last Thursday night in Malaga.

Rubi made it clear ‘the match in Ponferrada is going to be one of the most difficult games in the competition as it’s a very difficult place to win. If we want to win, we need to run swiftly, fight in every duel and remain very focused.’  He then added ‘Ponferradina are a very solid team with important players in attack that if you let them think for a second, they’ll mess your game up. For instance, Yuri gets better just like fine wine from El Bierzo. In addition, as indicated, ‘they’ll have their fans in the stands, who are always by the side of their team.’

The UD Almería head coach explained ‘if we don't do a very good defensive job, we’ll have a bad time,’ but at the same time, Rubi stressed ‘we don't have to go with any qualms about seeing the best UD Almería.’ On this subject, he also stressed ‘we have the maximum respect for Ponferradina, but we can impose our style of play.’

With this clear objective, the Catalan is working during the week and putting his players through their paces. He even said ‘The last defeat against Amorebieta still hurts, a pain that we are determined to get rid of in Ponferrada.’