The Cultural Leonesa dressing room is fully aware that their slim chances of avoiding relegation depend on a victory this Saturday (16:15 CEST) at the Carlos Belmonte against Albacete Balompié. Rubén de la Barrera’s squad has been working toward that goal, but will face the match with three significant absences: Thiago Ojeda, who serves his third game of suspension; Fornos; and Manu Justo, who picked up an injury in the final training session. Despite this, the Galician coach is clear about the approach: “We need to build on the work we’ve done so far. Compete and win. Hopefully, whatever happens over the weekend will let us stretch the rubber band.”
The match will hold special meaning for Sergi Maestre and for Rubén de la Barrera himself, as both led the Manchego team to promotion to the Second Division in the 2021–2022 season. On the other side, they face a side that has already secured its survival: “They’ve confirmed their permanence, but Albacete is dangerous in any situation. Cultural is the one that has to compete in this game.”
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Rubén de la Barrera also addressed other topics, such as the possibility that relegation could be confirmed at the Reino de León in the next home match: “If you’re relegated at home, you prepare in the best possible way and try to get promoted the following year.” Regarding the arrival of Asier Goiria as the new sporting director: “We’ve met, we haven’t talked about football, but it’s good to have a sporting director because he gives substance to a football club.” Finally, on his own future: “I want to coach at the highest possible level, but if I have to do it elsewhere, I won’t lose any sleep over it.”