Juan Ignacio Martinez has warned Almeria that there is no longer any room for error ahead of their match against Elche in La Liga on Saturday.
The Andalucians have been dragged back into the relegation dogfight following their failure to win any of their last three games, while a proposed points deduction by FIFA has threatened to pile further misery on the side, but a victory this weekend could move them clear of the bottom three.
“There’s no room for error,” the Coach began at a Press conference.
“The points we lose now can’t be retrieved later because we aren’t at the beginning of the season.
“Elche are a direct rival, who are in the same position as us and have points at stake.
“However, our goal difference may prove very important at the end of the fight against relegation this season.
"[On the suspensions of Michel, Edgar and Thievy], the absences are a shame but I have full confidence in the other players.
“I’m convinced that those who play will compete at the highest level.
“These are the games, in which every professional wants to play, with an atmosphere and a full stadium between two rivals, who are playing for survival.
“I’m convinced Elche will cause us many problems, but I’m also sure Almeria will be able to read the game and know when to hold their horses and exploit their opponents.
“It’s also clear to me that in attack we have plenty of options and must be lethal [in front of goal].
“[On the FIFA points deduction], we’ve already spoken about it and are calm because we’re confident about the case presented by the club.
“We’re super-focused on the match against Elche and we’ll try to get a good result. It’s what we do.”
