Match analysis
“The feeling is a bit bittersweet. The team had two set-piece opportunities early on, found width with Puga, and the full-backs were outstanding. Against a team that uses their strengths, they played a long game with chances to counter. We went into half-time feeling it was unjust, but we have to forget about what's behind us. Then came the equaliser. I would have liked a bit more order, but this is Málaga. Lots of draws, some unjust, both for and against us. I think we deserved more, and the boys made an enormous effort to take the three points.”
Negative streak broken
“The streak has been broken, but what matters is how we played and the merit. We've come from three games where we've played better than in others that we’ve drawn or won. Now, we’re being penalised by situations that we weren’t before, like the penalty. I also say that it’s normal to have losses, this is a Málaga team with young, brave players, and on the opposing team were Morales and Iborra, who could be fathers to many of our players. It’s continuous learning for what lies ahead, and that connection with the fans was key today in getting the draw.”
Match substitutions
“Yanis came in very well, Izan too. They both helped, and Chupete gave us a lot of energy. Kevin tried, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. And he left crying. We’re all human. They need to learn to deal with that frustration. I’m older than them and I’ve made more mistakes. They tried, the team went after the game, and I’m left with that sense of not having found a bit more order, but I prefer that. In the year of the 18 signings, we would have just sat back. I want to congratulate everyone, those who started and those who came on.”
Courage and commitment
“When you're behind on the scoreboard and you equalise, you go for the second. The team doesn’t fall back, it’s true we had some losses, and facing us was one of the favourites, who, if they had won last week, would be in second place. We deserve more, but it’s not just about deserving. We have to continue learning, but we deserved to win, and the fans deserve to see their team win at home.”
Seeking continuous improvement
“Keep working. We had several situations, but we lacked that timing with the final pass and the composure. We want possession to hurt the opponent and be vertical. We need to improve our defensive organisation, today the boys ran a lot, and we also need to improve in finishing so that the players can flow. We’re going to find Lobete, Kevin, Roko, David, Cordero, Chupete... Today Pastor scored, and the players from the back can help too.”
Ramón continues to grow
“The support he gets is very important, like from Manu, Luismi, Sangalli, Izan... He’s improving, he’s not at the level he was before the injury, but Manu Molina’s help is crucial. There’s a synergy between them, and I’ve seen improvements in physical efforts and regaining possession, which he didn’t have before. That’s also good news, that he’s improving. We can’t let our guard down so the player can keep flowing.”