Rubén Albés: “We're facing the best team in the league right now, and it's a major test to see where we stand”

C.D. Leganés head coach Rubén Albés appeared at a press conference on Saturday ahead of the team’s match on Monday (8:30 p.m.) at Ontime Butarque Stadium against C.D. Castellón, as part of Matchday 7 of LALIGA HYPERMOTION 2026/27.

The Blue-and-White coach offered the following assessment of the situation heading into the match:

Castellón: “They’re the best team in the league so far. They’ve won five games, have conceded the fewest goals, and have a high scoring ability… They have many strengths—in attack, on the counterattack, defensively, and on set pieces…”

Possible changes in defense: “The players are available in all positions. There are players ready to start, and we’re considering those possibilities. We’re very satisfied with the players who’ve seen the most playing time, and we’ll have to make decisions ahead of Monday. There might be changes, but definitely no more than three.”

Absences: “We still have the same players out due to injury, plus Gharbi, who’s with Tunisia.”

Connection with the city: “The fans have been the best ambassadors of that spirit in recent matches. When the final minutes roll around, the crowd has pushed us even harder. These two games have shown us what Butarque is all about, what the ‘Pepinera’ fans are like, and that if we stick together, we’re a stronger team.”

Internal competition: “They’re holding their own; they’re competitive, they’re enthusiastic, and they know that every role is important. Every player who comes on tries to improve on what was being done, and that gives us an extra edge in the final stretch of the games.”

Gharbi’s absence: “We have five forwards available, so we’ll choose two.”

Facing the leader: “We’re facing the best team in the division right now, and it’s a test—an important challenge to see where we stand in relation to them. I’m confident that the team is in good shape; in demanding matches and during tough moments, it has stepped up, and I’m convinced it will do the same on Monday.”

What kind of game he expects: “They’ve been playing the same style of soccer for three years and have been on an upward trajectory. They’re a very well-developed team collectively that does a lot of things right; they’ve earned people’s respect. But we have our own strengths too; we’re in the process of growing as a team from an organizational standpoint. It’s going to be a high-level game, rich in tactics, and every day we’re becoming more well-rounded in certain areas. We’ll look for their weaknesses and limit their strengths.”

What a win would mean: “Three more points—which are worth just as much as those against Granada or Eldense… A win is three points. Then there’s everything that comes with a victory, but the reality is that it’s three points, and we need to accumulate as many as possible, no matter who we’re playing.”

Morata: “He’s in a position where we can make a decision about whether to start him. I see him getting better every day; the team is very happy with his arrival, and I think there’s a shared sense of joy among everyone involved. I’m convinced he’s going to have a fantastic game.”

Goalkeeping: “Everyone is competing. In the locker room, I don’t think there’s any debate—just like in other positions. I’m happy with the two goalkeepers we have on the first team, and I have to make decisions—that’s what I’m paid to do.”

Looking forward to Morata scoring: “He’s doing very well; he shows it day in and day out—with his commitment, with the minutes he’s played, and in the moments where he’s made an impact. Let’s enjoy watching Álvaro, and let him enjoy the Leganés match.”

Soko-Morata Option: “There are plenty of combinations, with different profiles, but practically all the pairings are compatible.”

Injury Report: “I think new players will start coming back in less than fifteen days.”

Test of Our Level: “We’re facing the best team in the division right now. That will tell us what level we’re at, how close we can be to them. I have a feeling it will be a close game and that we’ll be better than them.”

Chances conceded against Granada: “That was the game where we created the most chances. It was an open game, and more things went our way than Granada’s. We’re not satisfied with some aspects of our defense, which we’ve discussed this week. We didn’t play particularly well there, and we’re working on it. But Monday’s game will be different.”

Playing without Gharbi: “It’s a matter of character. We have good players and attacking options. Ismaël brings a lot to the table, but we have others with different strengths: more presence in the box, or more speed, or a mix… Depending on the decision we make regarding the forward pairing, certain things will play out one way or another.”