Rubi's Almería promotion obsession: 'I'm fixated on getting us up'
The Almería boss opens up about his Segunda División promotion ambitions, winter transfer plans, and keeping the faith despite recent setbacks.
A candid and determined Joan Francesc Ferrer ‘Rubi’ reveals his singular focus on returning Almería to La Liga despite a rollercoaster 2025 campaign.
Keeping the faith after December dip
Almería’s gaffer isn’t hiding from recent disappointments, with back-to-back defeats closing out the year. Despite this wobble, the Catalan tactician remains upbeat about his side’s fourth-place position in the Segunda División table.
“I’m obsessed with getting Almería promoted,” Rubi confesses in his most revealing comment, displaying the single-mindedness that’s keeping him focused through the ups and downs.
The manager acknowledges December was particularly challenging, with injuries piling up at precisely the wrong moment. Yet he’s quick to highlight that despite the squad overhaul last summer, sitting fourth represents a decent achievement at this stage.
Transfer window targets
While Rubi admits he’s not typically a fan of the January window - previously calling it “rubbish” - he recognises its necessity this season. Almería are actively seeking reinforcements, with particular attention on:
- A striker (priority position)
- A left winger (Rubi bemoans the scarcity of traditional wide players)
- Potentially a centre-back
“The winger position is one of the hardest to fill. There are fewer and fewer players who can beat defenders on the outside,” Rubi explains, highlighting a tactical need in his squad.
Movement in the other direction is also expected, with Robertone and Perovic potentially heading for the exit door, along with others seeking regular playing time.
FIFA virus and fixture complaints
One particular bugbear for Rubi has been the scheduling during international breaks, with the so-called “FIFA virus” disproportionately affecting Segunda División clubs with international players.
He’s pushing hard for calendar changes, noting: “We went to Oviedo without two players who are now playing Champions League. Nobody can tell me it’s the same not having them as having them.”
The Almería boss appears optimistic that his campaign for fixture reform is gaining traction among other clubs.
Barcelona connections and Negreira case
Having served as assistant coach at Barcelona during the 2013/14 season under both Tito Vilanova and Tata Martino, Rubi offered his perspective on the controversial Negreira case, insisting he never witnessed anything untoward during his time at the Catalan giants.
Rubi remains focused on the immediate task at hand - restoring Almería’s form from October and November, integrating returning players, and making the right additions in January to mount a serious promotion push in 2026.