Rubén Albés: ‘It’s a very demanding match’

C.D. Leganés manager Rubén Albés appeared at a press conference on Friday ahead of the Pepineros’ match against C.D. Tenerife on Sunday (9.00 pm) at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López stadium, as part of matchday five of LALIGA HYPERMOTION 2026/27.

The Blue-and-Whites’ manager gave his assessment of the team’s current situation ahead of the match:

Absentees: “We’re still dealing with the same absentees as last week, and Rubén Peña has now been added to the list.”

Tenerife, a familiar opponent: “We’ve analysed them just as we do every match we play. There have been four weeks of fixtures during which we’ve seen how both teams have developed. It’s a team I particularly like; they’re well-organised defensively and know how to capitalise on their strengths. It’s a very demanding match for us. They’re a historic side.”

Looking forward to playing at home again: “I’m really looking forward to playing at the Heliodoro.”

Álex Millán: “El Oso is a true warrior, a competitor. He won’t be happy, but we make decisions. A new week, a new opportunity to see what the match demands, how training goes, and to start making decisions.”

A competitive squad: “Those who don’t start are the most important; I make that clear to them. The players who decide matches are the ones who don’t start as first-team regulars. They’ve helped us and, for me, they’re just as valuable as the players who start. I try to field the starting eleven I believe is best and identify which substitutions could prove decisive in the match. I’m very pleased with the players who are putting in quality minutes, whether they start the match or not.”

Goalkeeping: “Luca will be in goal. We have two top-class goalkeepers with two different styles. Right now, Luca is starting, and we’ll see how things pan out over the coming weeks. We’re lucky to have two goalkeepers of this calibre.”

The importance of defence: “Everything matters. Defence isn’t just about the players in the back line, but the sense of everyone defending as a team. That allows us to keep a clean sheet and launch counter-attacks. The better we are in defence, the more we can win the ball back and attack. Match situations unfold as they do. In Girona we spent a lot of time defending; in Las Palmas we found a balance and managed 50 per cent possession. We try to be well-rounded in everything and take risks in many aspects of the game.‘

Overall approach: ’We try to develop our style of play to the highest possible standard. We approach every opponent with those small adjustments, but in all the behaviours we aim for, we seek perfection, excellence – to do a little better every day.”

Assessment of the start to the league season: “The feeling is that we’re a competitive side, difficult to beat, but we’re not finding it easy to win either. We have to keep pushing, because every match has ended with narrow margins. There are few big wins in this league, so we have to get used to walking a tightrope and know how to manage difficult moments, because the margins are so narrow.”

One match at a time: “I really enjoy the process, the day-to-day work. It’s important, because this is a wonderful yet very demanding job. Sometimes it’s harsh on the manager, but the adrenaline on match day is brilliant. I’m someone who lives for the moment and I like to enjoy the next training session and the next match.”

Morata: “He’s getting better every day. It’s not for me to comment on the player’s standard. He’s in the process of getting to know his team-mates and the system, and racking up quality minutes – however many there may be – because he didn’t play much last season or in pre-season. What I do know is that he’s getting better every day.”