Joan Francesc Ferrer, known as ‘Rubi’, announced he will no longer continue as the coach of Almeria mere minutes after leading the club to La Liga survival on a tense final day of the season.
Adri Embarba’s 87th-minute penalty secured Almeria a 3-3 draw against Espanyol, one of Rubi’s former clubs. Coupled with Valladolid’s 0-0 stalemate at home to Getafe, this result ensured Almeria remained in the top flight, while relegating Valladolid to the second division.
Nevertheless, during the post-game press conference, Rubi voiced that he and his coaching staff felt the time had come to part ways with the club they previously guided to promotion to the top flight last season.
“I want to thank the Almeria fans and the players who believed in the work we have done, but I want to make public that my time here has ended and we will not carry on,” he said.
“We are very grateful and we have fulfilled our objectives, such as survival, growth in sporting terms and re-valuing the players. I am sure they have found discipline and good habits for the future.”
“I have chosen this moment, because I don’t want the club to waste any time,” he added.
Rubi isn’t the first coach to confirm his departure at season’s end, with Rayo Vallecano coach Andoni Iraola having confirmed his exit from the Madrid-based club a week ago.
