The Villarreal B manager has analysed the Mini Submarine’s next opponent, UD Ibiza (Sunday, 12pm CET)
Villarreal B manager David Albelda spoke to the media this Friday to preview the upcoming match against UD Ibiza, corresponding to Matchday 16 of the 2025/26 Primera Federación season, which will be played this Sunday at 12pm CET at the Estadi Palladium Can Misses.
To begin with, the Mini Submarine boss highlighted the special nature of the clash, particularly due to the presence of Miguel Álvarez in the opposite dugout: “Miguel knows this club extremely well. He built an outstanding legacy here and it’s hard to repeat the work he did in his eight years with us. And now we’ll be facing him as our rival. We know each other, of course, but we’re going there with the intention of competing — and if we can win, even better.”
Regarding the current standings, Albelda pointed out the huge balance within the division: “Right now the table shows that, in terms of points, we have many direct rivals. Ibiza are built to fight for promotion. They didn’t start well, but with Miguel they’ve turned things around. They have great potential and they’ll be one of the teams competing for the play-off spots. But that doesn’t mean we’re not ready to go there and compete.”
Albelda also praised the experience of the Ibiza squad: “In this division you come across many different types of players, and most of them beat us in experience. But facing footballers who have recently played in LaLiga or Segunda is something that helps us grow. For a young player, knowing they’re up against someone who has played at the top level should be a motivation, not an obstacle.”
Looking ahead to the match itself, the Villarreal B manager expects a tight contest: “I’m expecting a very evenly matched game between two sides that will both try to attack. Two attacking teams — both brave. Within that balance, I think it will be quite an open match.”
Finally, David Albelda also spoke about Carlos Maciá’s debut with the first team: “I’m someone who believes that players like Maciá have a certain inner quality that allows them to absorb every situation and maintain balance. Carlos is a very level-headed boy, and without that, it would be impossible to progress the way he has. The confidence I’ve given him was betting on him to play in Primera Federación. It was a firm commitment from all of us, and from there the merit is his. Coaches are here to place those bets — and now Marcelino has made a very important one.”
