Rubi: ‘We’re facing one of the most in-form sides’
The head coach trusts in his players and in beating CD Tenerife, but specifies ‘the game will require patience from everyone.’ Message to the residents of La Palma
‘All the games in this league are very complicated, but this week, we’re facing one of the most in-form sides,’ stressed UD Almeria head coach Rubi at the pre-Tenerife presser. Before focusing on Friday’s encounter, the Catalan sent a heartfelt message of encouragement and support to the people of the Canary Island of La Palma as the volcano eruption has destroyed houses and forced thousands of residents to evacuate.
The players from CD Tenerife will take on UD Almería on the back of a home defeat to CD Mirandés, however that does not mean anything for Rubi ‘it’s difficult to score goals against them. They’ve only conceded 3 so far, 2 in the same game. They’re a well-organised team with a solid defence and powerful players up front. Their head coach has instilled in them tactical aspects really well, sticking together on a defensive level. They make it very difficult and they’ve achieved important results away from home, so if we manage to win, it’ll be a triumph to be proud of.’
Rubi valued, at the same time, the solvency of UD Almería on home turf, where they have won their two games, and stressed that the support of the fans from the stands will be vital, as in fact it was during these league appointments played at the Juegos Mediterraneos Stadium before. Of course, it is very clear that ‘the game may require patience due to the characteristics of the adversaries.’
When asked if he is in favour of changing the game system, Rubi replied ‘if we have to change it, we will. We have one winger who looks like a second striker and the system is flexible within the starting XI. I’m not in favour of changing it just yet because we’ve invested many hours. If it has to be done, it’ll be done. I’m not that stubborn, but I prefer to correct after defeats than to turn things upside-down because of a single game,’ as it happened versus AD Alcorcón compared to the previous one against SD Ponferradina. In addition, he said ‘LaLiga shows you that you always have to tinker the line-up, win every game and that expecting that always the same approach will work out for you is impossible.’
Joan Francesc Ferrer Sicilia, who highlights the positive attitude of his players during the week, announced that Carriço, Akieme and Aitor Buñuel will not be in contention for this league appointment. Makaridze is ready and Juan Villar could also be likely to join the squad, but he will be tested in the last training session this Thursday.