Málaga CLUB de FÚTBOL

International commitments see Julen Lopetegui calling on Isco and Camacho for Spain in the under-21’s European Championships. Roque Santa Cruz has been called up to play for Paraguay in their 2014 World Cup qualifier against Chile, and Fabrice Olinga will be part of Cameroon’s team in the friendly against Ukraine on 2nd June.

The Liga de Fútbol Profesional (LFP), ‘Professional Football League’ and Aficiones Unidas, ‘United Fans’ have recognised the fans’, ‘peñas’ and Málaga Club de Fútbol ‘Peñas’ Federation, for their unconditional support, tolerance and fair play over the season, and awarded them with the ‘Player Nº 12’ accolade.

Málaga CF defender, Sergio Sánchez, highlighted the importance of Sunday’s match against Deportivo de La Coruña at La Rosaleda (8 p.m.) to seal their Europa League qualification: “This weekend’s game is crucial. Ending an incredible season in European positions means everything to us as players, and the Club. It’s so important for our objectives next year. A win on Sunday would also be the perfect way to say goodbye to Pellegrini at La Rosaleda, and we want to dedicate a last home win of the season to him. It’s going to be an emotional weekend for everyone,” affirms the Blue and Whites’ defender.

Coach Manuel Pellegrini confirmed to the media today he will be leaving Málaga Club de Fútbol at the end of this season. The Chilean-born manager, who reached an agreement with the Martiricos Club to surrender his contract, despite having two years left, stated his reason for departure was due to “sporting reasons.”

The Málaga Club de Fútbol coach was presented with the Golden Shield this morning by the President of the ‘Diputación’, Elías Bendodo, in recognition of his sporting career with Málaga CF.

Two La Academia teams in the ‘juvenil’ category travelled to France last weekend to take part in two international tournaments, namely the Festival D’armor, in Plougonvelin and the IC Croix Tournament.

Málaga Club de Fútbol’s second training session of the week took place this morning at the Ciudad de Málaga Athletics Stadium, ahead of Sunday’s League clash with Deportivo de La Coruña. Manuel Iturra returned to group training today, whilst Roque Santa Cruz, Demichelis and Pedro Morales continue their recovery from injury and exercised in the gym. Lugano joined them this morning, just as a precaution.

The Brazilian-born central defender states: “The entire team is determined to reach the perfect end to what has been an incredible season. We obviously wanted to qualify for the Champions League again, but reaching the Europa League is also a fantastic achievement. Sunday’s match against Depor is going to be great, and a real celebration for the fans. We’ll give it our all to win this weekend and guarantee sixth place and Europa League qualification.”