UD Las Palmas vice-captain Álex Suárez has spoken about the team's promotion ambition and the positive mood in the dressing room after the start of the season. In comments reported by Diario AS on August 20, the Canary Islands-born defender stressed that aiming for promotion to LaLiga is not a mistake but the squad's internal goal.
Suárez, now in his eighth season with the first team, highlighted the importance of building the path with happiness. "Paths are built by being cheerful and happy," the defender stated. The opening day victory in LaLiga Hypermotion against Albacete (2-1) showed the first sketch of manager Rubén de la Barrera's style. The team is enjoying itself and the fans are responding, a cycle the club wants to maintain.
What is UD Las Palmas's real ambition?
Álex Suárez does not avoid the word promotion. For the player, talking about fighting for a return to the top flight is not an error. "It's the internal ambition we have," he declared. However, the 28-year-old defender, with his veteran experience, calls for calm. He knows the season is very long and nothing is won in August. The immediate objective is to win matches, build confidence, and let the competition place the team where it deserves. The squad, according to our squad data, has a mix of experience and youth designed for this challenge.
How is the team approaching the match in Ceuta?
UD Las Palmas's next fixture is a visit to AD Ceuta at the Alfonso Murube stadium. Suárez referred to the social situation in the autonomous city, which had led the local club to request a postponement of its first match. The yellow captain remained calm. "We focus on playing. We understand that if we go, there will be total security and guarantees," he said. He trusts that sports authorities would not send the team if conditions were not normal. This match is part of a run of games you can check on our fixtures page.
What role does the youth academy play?
Álex Suárez, who took until age 26 to establish himself in the first team, now acts as a mentor for the young prospects. He specifically named Rafa Cruz, Valentín Pezzolesi, Iván Medina, and Elías Romero. About Cruz, who debuted at 16 years and 8 months, he was especially praising. "Rafa will have his mistakes, but we have to help him... He is going to be a great footballer," he predicted. Suárez argues that the youth system gives identity and feeling for the badge, and that young players must be supported in their process without excessive pressure. Betting on youth development is a hallmark of the club, as reflected in the stats for academy minutes.
Competition in defence is fierce, with six centre-backs for two spots. Suárez sees this as a positive. "Competition is good so that nobody relaxes," he defended. This internal level should translate into defensive solidity, an aspect the team wants to improve even though it worked well against Albacete. Set-piece work is another area of focus.
The return of Sandro, scorer of the winning goal on the opening day, is also encouraging news. Suárez called it "the icing on the cake of his great work" after a year marked by injuries and believes it is just the start of his best version. With confidence intact and a cheerful working atmosphere, UD Las Palmas faces the coming weeks focused on adding points and staying in the high positions of the standings. The path, as Suárez says, is built step by step.
