The recent thrashing suffered at El Sardinero has left Almería five points adrift of direct promotion, a gap that widens to six due to the head-to-head goal difference. Despite boasting a high-caliber squad, the team led by Rubi has failed to consolidate its position in the direct promotion spots to Spain's top football league, a primary objective for the club owned by Mohamed Al-Khereiji and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Inconsistency has been a constant throughout Almería's season, capable of delivering brilliant performances while also showing significant vulnerabilities. This duality has prompted LA VOZ to gather the opinions of ten prominent figures from Almería, including journalists, former footballers, and key club personalities, who share their perspectives on how to approach this final stretch of the competition.
“"This can only be solved by everyone being united in these critical moments of the season, pulling together in total support of the board, coaching staff, and squad, which for everyone should be the best in the world with its successes and failures, but if we stick together and turn the Estadio Mediterráneo into what El Sardinero was, which made me envious, we will achieve it."
Among the voices consulted, Alfredo Relaño, former director of AS newspaper, downplays concerns about the result, highlighting the team's good standing and the unpredictability of the league. However, he points out a defensive weakness. Meanwhile, journalist Ángel Acién emphasizes that the team attacks better than it defends, suggesting that the solution is more complex than solely blaming the coach, and stressing the need for commitment and tactical solidity.
Other analysts such as Antonio Torres and Diego Plaza agree on the lack of control in important matches and Almería's defensive fragility. Dani Garrido from Carrusel Deportivo, while acknowledging the challenging schedule, trusts in the team's experience and the quality of players like Sergio Arribas. The president of the FAF, Pedro López Galdeano, reiterates defensive problems as the main challenge to be resolved.
“"I don't understand how Almería can play like that away from home, as they did in Santander against Racing, and that our coach makes those changes he makes, we don't understand it. What is clear is that if things don't change a lot, direct promotion to Primera División will be difficult, very difficult."
Journalist Sandra Gálvez criticizes the attitude and lack of intensity shown by the players, urging fans to support the team in the crucial match against Málaga. Sports consultant Juan José Melero laments the team's inconsistency away from home and the lack of an organized midfield, despite the squad's quality. Finally, former footballers Chico and Paco Luna call for unity and focus in the remaining matches, especially in the upcoming game against Málaga, considered a "final" to keep direct promotion hopes alive.
