Growth and continuous improvement
“We have taken important steps and we want to keep moving forward, improving on what we did well last year. We want to introduce new mechanisms, as we did in preseason. We are going to be ourselves; we are getting closer to what we want, but we are still far from certain aspects that need a lot of improvement. We want to be a team that looks ahead, more dynamic, offensive, and aggressive. The players’ growth has to be shown this year, showing why we want to take a step forward.”
SD Eibar, first rival
“We have a match against SD Eibar, a team with whom we experienced a critical situation last year at their ground with their new coach. They are a brave team, similar to us, but the start of the season is difficult for everyone. The preseason helps us acquire habits and prepare physically, but in competition, points are at stake.”
Courage and commitment on a long road ahead
“After so much time, we must remember where we come from, remember the excitement of a child and the strength gained through years of experience. We have to understand that it’s going to be a tough year, and it can be a beautiful one depending on the results and the values we transmit. I want brave people, who have nothing to lose, with boldness, courage, and a great sense of responsibility. Mistakes may happen from making decisions, and they can also happen from avoiding them out of a lack of responsibility. We want to leave a legacy of a culture of work, commitment, effort, and performance. We want more, the first one they will demand from is me, and I will demand from everyone. We know the division we are in and the grind of this 42-match league.”
Everyone raring to go and no fixed starters
“The real star of the team is the fans. The coach and the players will be out on the pitch, and I’m very satisfied with the squad we’ve put together. Alfonso has made a tremendous effort, and I’m very happy with Carlos. I have complete confidence. Alfonso has contributed a great deal to us over these two years, and this season there will be changes in several positions to keep growing.”
Demand and effort
“We all want more, we want greater competitiveness. I’m happy with many things and not so happy with others. In that respect, we have to be a bit relentless, not settle, and always stay alert. We have to give our maximum level. I want more from myself, from the Club, from the players, from the coaching staff, and they want more from me. We must be demanding, have a culture of hard work, effort, and ambition, because the fans show every day what they want.”
Three years with the core of the group
“It’s a positive, the project takes time. With the five new signings and the growth of Rafa, Chupete, Aaron, Izan, and those coming up from the youth ranks. Also those who have been here for three seasons, and Lobete, Pastor, and Luismi. Everyone is going to improve, it’s good that we all know each other. We’re trying to speed up the player’s immediate performance for the benefit of the collective. That takes time, but I’m not asking for time. This is a very exciting year to improve on last season, and the way we’re doing things is leaving a bright future for Málaga because of the profile of the players and what’s being built.”
Compete to the max
“We know our roadmap. The Club is made up of the people who are here and make decisions, but the Club is more than that, it’s the fans. The standard we answer to is that of our people. To compete in every match to the fullest, knowing we’re not the favourites, but to be the team that proves itself in the competition. Last year, if we had been more clinical… we ended up saving our place in the division. This year, we have to take a step forward so that it’s more enjoyable and involves less suffering than last season.”
