Rubi: 'Let's see if we achieve similar results at home as in our previous stage'

Joan Francesc Ferrer Sicilia 'Rubi'  has looked ahead to his first official match at home as UD Almería head coach in his new stage and he did not hesitate to point out that, although he has recently been in the dugout on the occasion of the 'Juan Rojas' Memorial Trophy against Al-Nassr FC, this is an exciting season home opener. He cannot forget the memorable moments lived in the now called UD Almería Stadium. 'Let's see if we achieve the similar results at home as in our previous stage at the Club because they were very good… ' and decisive in meeting the objectives, as now also expected. 

 

The Catalan gaffer, who is awaiting what may happen in the last hours before the summer transfer window deadline, announced that Marc Pubill, Lucas Robertone and Leo Baptistao are now fully recovered and available for selection. 'I've already said it last week and we've been meeting the deadlines. Maybe some of them aren't at the same level as the others, but they're quite ready to play.' This Saturday, 31 August, UD Almería host Real Sporting de Gijón, rivals 'who are going to battle it out. They know what they're playing for and they're daring. In theory, they'll have no problems getting closer to the objectives they set. They've picked up a point in the two previous matches played at home so they'll will come for the victory, but next week, Sporting also have to play the Asturias derby against Real Oviedo.' 

 

In the first two games of this campaign, Sporting have made 59 crosses between plays, fouls, corner-kicks... '30 of them have been made by one player, Cote. He'll be one of the focuses of attention,' stressed Rubi.

 

The Sportinguistas also want the ball 'to create plays up front,' the Rojiblancos' gaffer clarified. On that subject, he made it clear: 'The midfield, having the ball and the duration of that possession, will be key to the game. Creating at least the same chances as in our two previous games away from home will also help.' 

 

The team led by Rubi has taken 40 shots on goal in Santander and Tenerife, an important number, although to achieve three goals. At the same time, it is the sixth team that gets the most shots against, aspects that he assumed and about which he said the following: 'It's only been two days and we've got a long way to go both attacking and defensive-wise.' In addition to this room for improvement, he recalled: 'We've gone 150 minutes without conceding a goal.'

 

Rubi was asked about Radovanovic, the only centre-back who has not yet been lined up and responded: 'We have 4 defenders to play in the centre and a fifth with Edgar. In these days, we've decided to opt for some players, but everyone will have their opportunity. We have 4 great centre-backs with their strengths and flaws.'