Rubi: Levante have an obligation

Levante Coach Rubi believes the team has ‘an obligation’ to be at their best despite having already been relegated from La Liga.

Les Granotes will be in the Segunda next season but host Atletico Madrid in their penultimate fixture before ending against Rayo Vallecano, but the visit of Los Colchoneros could help decide the destination of the title.

“On Sunday we will compete well, our obligation is to be at our highest possible level. The first thing to do is to think about our fans, who have had very little joy this season and deserve to end with some, though nothing will compensate for going down,” he said, AS reports, before discussing the topic of ‘bonuses’ paid by title rivals if they beat Atleti.

“What happens with the title is very far from us. I’ve not been in the professional level that many years but I’ve never seen a ‘briefcase’ in my life, I promise. What should be clear to Barcelona and Real Madrid is that we will compete to our maximum, we don’t need anything like that.”

Rubi’s future on the bench is unclear after relegation and the exit of sporting director Manolo Salvador, and the man himself has no idea of his job prospects either.

“I don’t have the feeling this will be my last home game and nor do I have the opposite feeling. I don’t know. There’s been no contact with me personally. The club has to be given time to make the best possible decision,” he acknowledged.

“I’m convinced I can get the team promoted but there has to be a consensus, all the people have to be convinced. There’s a lot to talk about.”

Rubi was asked for his take on Atletico’s style after the hard-fought two-legged win over Bayern Munich drew complaints and criticism, but also praise, for how Diego Simeone sets up his side.

“I’m not going to criticise what they do. Everyone chooses their path. It’s as legitimate as any other, it’s as laudable as any other game,” he said.

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