Valladolid vs Almeria preview - Rodriguez up for battle

Posted Saturday, March 29, 2014 by PA

Almeria manager Francisco Rodriguez is pleased with his team's recent efforts as the Primera Division season enters the final stages.

The Andalusian side travel to relegation rivals Valladolid on Sunday, three points and three places above their second-from-bottom hosts.

Their prospects of avoiding the drop have improved after a win over Real Sociedad and draw against Valencia in their last two matches.

Francisco was disappointed to let points slip in the second of those home matches but acknowledged that things could have been worse as they trailed 2-0.

He explained: "We would have liked to get the three points and detach ourselves further from those clubs at the bottom but I'm satisfied we have made a significant effort.

"We have played two tough opponents - now we have to go to Valladolid and compete.

"We're still ambitious but we have to correct the errors. We must continue with the line of trust and confidence in achieving our goal."

The coach will be back in the dugout on Sunday after serving a one-match touchline ban following his dismissal against Sociedad.

On the pitch, midfielder Sebastian Dubarbier will miss the match at Estadio Nuevo Jose Zorrilla - he serves the second game of a suspension for an accumulation of yellow cards.

Meanwhile, Valladolid manager Juan Ignacio Martinez has called for his team to start finishing off their chances, having seen them win just one of their last nine matches - albeit against Barcelona.

Martinez said: "We had clear chances against Rayo Vallecano and against Sociedad - but if you don't take them..."

Talking about the threat of relegation, he added: "We need to pick up points. I understand there is another way out down there."