Post by Bismarck on Feb 2, 2008 14:07:46 GMT
ALMERIA, February 1 (Primera Liga) - Almeria coach Unai Emery insists his side are looking at Saturday's clash with Primera Liga leaders Real Madrid as ``just another game.''
Real extended their lead over second-placed Barcelona to nine points last weekend, while they are 15 points clear of third-placed Villarreal, whom Bernd Schuster's side beat 3-2 on Sunday.
But Emery is confident his players will not be fazed by thier illustrious opponents.
``The team have to go into the match at their most natural,'' he said. ``For us it's just another game with three points to play for.
``It's obvious that the visitors are Real Madrid, clear and absolute leaders of the Primera Liga, who have great stars, and as such the game is more attractive and special for the fans, for the city and for the media.
``But I insist that we have to face it as another game.''
Eighth-placed Almeria have kept things tight at home, scoring eight and conceding just seven in 11 league matches at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterraneos.
And Emery believes his side could grab a shock result on Saturday.
``Winning against Real Madrid is very difficult,'' continued Emery. ``But not impossible.
``If we want to take the three points we have to start winning the game right from the dressing room, believing that we can do so and keeping maximum concentration.
``We always go onto the pitch with the best intentions and intensity so that we can aim to win the matches, because to do otherwise would be to give an advantage to our opponents.''
With an eight-game winning streak in the Primera Liga behind them and a favourable run-in ahead, many are predicting a comfortable stroll to the title for Real.
However, they are set for one of their trickier away matches at Almeria who have won each of their last three league matches 1-0 - including ending Espanyol's 17-match unbeaten run - and are just four points off a UEFA Cup spot.
And Emery says he has no fear as his side prepares to welcome the Primera Liga giants.
``It's not as if Real Madrid are new to me,'' he said. ``Their potential as a whole and on an individual level is unquestionable and, moreover, their stats are spectacular with only two league defeats and 17 victories.
``But we don't fear them, even if we have total respect for them.''
Real striker Robinho has warned his team-mates not to underestimate Almeria.
``It will be a difficult game,'' he told www.realmadrid.com. ``The teams who come to play against Real Madrid come to stop us, they want to win.
``But for us, we are fighting for the title and, with all respect to to Almeria, Real Madrid will play to take the three points.''
Brazil defender Marcelo could return from injury for Real Madrid and star striker Ruud van Nistelrooy looks set to overcome a bout of gastroenteritis he suffered midweek.
Christoph Metzelder, Pepe, Gabriel Heinze and Javier Saviola are all unfit, while Mahamadou Diarra is at the African Nations Cup and Fernando Gago is suspended.
Emery has no injury worries.
Real extended their lead over second-placed Barcelona to nine points last weekend, while they are 15 points clear of third-placed Villarreal, whom Bernd Schuster's side beat 3-2 on Sunday.
But Emery is confident his players will not be fazed by thier illustrious opponents.
``The team have to go into the match at their most natural,'' he said. ``For us it's just another game with three points to play for.
``It's obvious that the visitors are Real Madrid, clear and absolute leaders of the Primera Liga, who have great stars, and as such the game is more attractive and special for the fans, for the city and for the media.
``But I insist that we have to face it as another game.''
Eighth-placed Almeria have kept things tight at home, scoring eight and conceding just seven in 11 league matches at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterraneos.
And Emery believes his side could grab a shock result on Saturday.
``Winning against Real Madrid is very difficult,'' continued Emery. ``But not impossible.
``If we want to take the three points we have to start winning the game right from the dressing room, believing that we can do so and keeping maximum concentration.
``We always go onto the pitch with the best intentions and intensity so that we can aim to win the matches, because to do otherwise would be to give an advantage to our opponents.''
With an eight-game winning streak in the Primera Liga behind them and a favourable run-in ahead, many are predicting a comfortable stroll to the title for Real.
However, they are set for one of their trickier away matches at Almeria who have won each of their last three league matches 1-0 - including ending Espanyol's 17-match unbeaten run - and are just four points off a UEFA Cup spot.
And Emery says he has no fear as his side prepares to welcome the Primera Liga giants.
``It's not as if Real Madrid are new to me,'' he said. ``Their potential as a whole and on an individual level is unquestionable and, moreover, their stats are spectacular with only two league defeats and 17 victories.
``But we don't fear them, even if we have total respect for them.''
Real striker Robinho has warned his team-mates not to underestimate Almeria.
``It will be a difficult game,'' he told www.realmadrid.com. ``The teams who come to play against Real Madrid come to stop us, they want to win.
``But for us, we are fighting for the title and, with all respect to to Almeria, Real Madrid will play to take the three points.''
Brazil defender Marcelo could return from injury for Real Madrid and star striker Ruud van Nistelrooy looks set to overcome a bout of gastroenteritis he suffered midweek.
Christoph Metzelder, Pepe, Gabriel Heinze and Javier Saviola are all unfit, while Mahamadou Diarra is at the African Nations Cup and Fernando Gago is suspended.
Emery has no injury worries.