Villarreal B head coach previews the upcoming clash against Algeciras CF (Friday, 7pm CET)
Villarreal B head coach David Albelda spoke to the media on Thursday to preview the upcoming match against Algeciras CF, corresponding to Matchday 17 of the Primera Federación, which will be played this Friday at 7pm CET at the Nuevo Mirador Stadium.
The Mini Submarine coach highlighted that, despite having limited time to prepare for the fixture, he trusts the learning process developed throughout the season to face the challenge in the best possible way: “The week has been short. In terms of preparation, specifically thinking about Algeciras, we’ve had some difficulties, especially when the first team has a demanding schedule and needs players from our squad. But it’s also true that at this stage of the season you rely more on everything you’ve learned throughout the year than on preparing for one opponent exclusively.”
In this regard, Albelda positively valued the club’s structure to deal with possible absences:
“That’s one of the advantages of a club like Villarreal. When players move up, those absences have to be compensated, and we have a C team and a solid base to draw from. But that won’t change our game plan. We want to compete well at a tough stadium, as their results clearly show.”
Regarding the match itself, the Valencian coach analysed the Andalusian side: “They have a lot of experience. They have a solid core of players, quick wingers, a physically strong striker who is very good in the air, and a solid defence. When you analyse them, you see how difficult the match will be. But it will depend more on how we perform.”
On the team’s identity, the Villarreal B coach underlined their playing philosophy: “Our main idea is to have possession, press high and look for the opponent’s goal. But matches have a life of their own. You can’t dominate possession for 90 minutes, and you also have to learn to play in a mid or low block, as we did, for example, against Cartagena.”
Finally, Albelda focused on the importance of this fixture before the Christmas break: “The first thing is to focus on tomorrow’s match. Then we’ll think about the break. We must focus all our ideas and our mentality on competing well and giving everything in this game.”
