“It’s important that the plan is maintained and that we provide continuity to something that is working”

Before the start of the press conference, general manager Kike Pérez, who joined Loren and Funes on stage, addressed them: “They have earned this renewal through great work. The Club continues to have strong faith in the project and ensures continuity in what is being done.”

Loren Juarros

Project

“I’m here because the Club’s board and executive management believe I should continue. Málaga must keep moving forward with the same principles and values. I arrived full of enthusiasm to build a project, and my goal is to stay as long as possible to take Málaga as high as possible. We are happy and satisfied with the work we’ve done, and we feel a great sense of responsibility. What lies ahead is consolidating all of this and making it grow.”

Continuity

“The Club set a period of time to make a decision about me. I said I would work until the last day for the good of Málaga, and strategic and important decisions were made with the players, that’s my role. I aim to cause as little disruption as possible and leave the situation in the best possible shape. I didn’t come to this club with financial ambitions, and negotiations were never an issue, the matter was resolved within 48 hours when they presented me with the proposal. I feel more and more connected to this club every day.”

Funes

“I was fortunate to meet Funes shortly after I arrived here, and after that conversation, and over these seasons, I’ve come to know him both as a person and as a coach. Watching him day by day, I was convinced that Funes would become Málaga’s coach, with me or without me. And if it were up to me, I would have liked to give him a project from the very start. That hasn’t been the case, but he has not only shown that he was ready to take on a project from the beginning, but also at any moment. For me, what’s happening now is no surprise. I also want to highlight the work of the coaching staff, who truly care, are people from here, and the arrival of Juan Carlos (Andrés).”

Player reinforcements

“It’s a personal satisfaction to convince a group of players, in line with what is being communicated, and see that it has resonated. We’ve been able to get these players to commit and believe in what is being done. It’s the sporting director’s task to make players want to be here, and this is a good place to be. This is everyone’s achievement, we are honest, clear, we value their work, and we are where we are mainly because of them, so we have to take care of them.”

The Academy and the Málaga brand  

“One of the pillars of this organisation is the Academy. I’ve always believed in youth, young players usually respond, and I believe in giving them the opportunity. We are all seeing the results. We need to continue nurturing that. I want to grow the club’s structures, and in the sporting area, I want to keep strengthening the Academy. The goal is to implement a project, within the parameters we aim to operate, expand the Academy’s structure, and maintain the Framework Agreement with clubs in the province of Málaga. We need to strengthen the methodology with the right people, because the idea is clear. We need “hands” to execute it and generate valuable assets, the same in the scouting department. We also need to broaden our vision. Already, we have players in the team who are connected to Málaga but aren’t from the city itself. First, we focus on local talent, but we also want to manage external prospects with a more comprehensive approach. The same applies in other areas, so people engage with Málaga with a fresh perspective, and with enthusiasm. We aim to convince them that this is a good place to invest. That Málaga brand, the Academy, should show that we are honest, working for the good of the club and what it represents. We are giving the club an identity, and we want it to continue growing. It’s a strong point for people to see Málaga in a positive light.”

Juan Carlos Andrés, assistant coach

“He’s a man of football, extremely analytical, a coach in Galicia whom I met alongside Eusebio at Real Sociedad. He feels and lives for football, is honest in his work, and is one of those assistant coaches who truly contributes. When I suggested he come to Málaga, I knew his vision of football and that he would connect with Funes. He brings a lot.”

Juanfran Funes

Part of the plan

“I see myself as a product of a project and a plan. I feel fortunate to have been part of that plan, and it’s important that the plan is maintained and that we provide continuity to something that is working. I also want to acknowledge Sergio (Pellicer), this all started in Primera RFEF, and the way the team managed to return to professional football laid the foundation for all the good things happening now. It was important that the “parents” of the project stayed together, as well as the coaching staff and many players. Loren had already envisioned everything that is happening, he said he came here for 10 years, he’s been here three, two more to go, and that’s already halfway. We’re here today because Málaga is doing well, and that is the most important part.”

Easy negotiation

“When there aren’t many things to negotiate, everything becomes much easier. I haven’t negotiated a single contract with Málaga since I arrived. I enjoy this, it’s easy, they value the work being done, and this renewal allows me to keep enjoying my Málaga.”

Relationship with Loren

“I was thinking of leaving the club when the previous sporting management left, but they convinced me to stay. It made me reconsider many things, and I decided to remain. It reassures me that everything happening now is what they already told me when I said I was leaving. The steps we’ve taken are much stronger, and it’s important that Loren continues leading the project. The hardest part is still ahead, but also the most rewarding. His support in the day-to-day is crucial.”

Coaching staff and players

“When I started with the first team, it felt like a compilation of all my years. I was surrounded by many people with whom I had shared that time. I met Juan Carlos (Andrés) two years ago, Loren described him as the ideal person for this project. As for the rest, I get to share this experience not just with them, and I want to thank the invisible people at the club, so many individuals push every day, and they are so important. And thanks to my coaching staff and players. We feel very proud of the path we are on, we are enjoying the journey, and that is the pace we want to maintain.”

A foundation that strengthens

“I said it during the winter transfer window, and I stand by it. Often, the strength lies in maintaining what you already have. That has to be our approach. Being able to provide continuity for those who are here, this is where the project multiplies. We need to reinforce the good we already have, those bonds and synergies will give us a strength that is hard to achieve any other way.”

Andrés, his right-hand man

“He is a person with tremendous experience, having worked with Eusebio in several stages. The conviction in what you want to do is very important, and that style of play had to align. How you do it is more important than what you do. We had to feel the same football, and his approach was very similar to mine. He embodied all of that, and I’m grateful that he came, and I hope we continue on this journey together for a long time.”