Pepe Mel: "With with back line of four and an anchorman the team is better"

Pepe Mel insisted that "everyone's lives depends on results" when asked if his side were unable to pick up the first win of the season tomorrow. "Almería is team that has changed since the summer. They have quality experienced players and have got some good early results so far. I hope my team competes the way they have over the last few games".

Without revealing his starting line-up, the trainer said "we are better off with a back line of four with an anchorman. We lost 0-1 against Huesca but we were applauded off the pitch. We suffered great disappointment against Racing de Santander, but we ended up drawing. In the derby match we had to come onto the pitch and greet our fans. It is important that the team grows and matures. I am putting together a team that has to endure a marathon season of 42 matches. We need to be in good shape come April, for the time we are playing for our objectives", he underlined.

As for the absence of Pedri (called up to the Spanish Under 18 side) he said: "It makes us all think when such a young lad has become an essential part of the team. This speaks very highly of the youth set-up at this club. We will replace him with another player with different characteristics". The manager added "there no automatic choices. The important thing here is the team. We will be resting some of the players over the next few games that are coming thick and fast, because everyone is keen to play".

Meanwhile, Pepe Mel explained that Drolé still requires an adaptation period, and that for the time being "we will be using him as a fresh pair of legs when our rivals begin to tire".