Happy with the 2-4 win
“It was a beautiful match for the fans. Both teams have shown why we are where we are. I also want to congratulate Eibar for their performance. Being able to give everything and show our best version has given us the opportunity to take points.”
Half-time talk
“We spoke about football and about how we had to be able to maintain numerical and tactical advantages, and sustain the good things we did in the first half. They have the talent to carry out the game plans the way they did. We’ve scored four goals against the best home team in the league, the best team of the second half of the season… That was us, with our identity. With bravery, without speculation, and sometimes you get rewarded. The team put in a truly outstanding performance. There were circumstances that led us to make decisions we might not have wanted to make, and we’re happy because we won, but it was very conditioned by last-minute decisions.”
Lethal Niño coming off the bench
“We spoke with Adri during the week about how he’s one of the players with the best goals-per-minute ratio. What matters is quality more than quantity. His determination in open games, with that ability, freshness and unpredictability, allows him to find those moments to make a difference. What’s important is the conviction with which he comes onto the pitch, knowing there is a plan and executing it to the letter. He had a great game, even without starting the match.”
Darko’s goal, key
“I’m very happy for him. He is doing an exceptional job, and today he got that visibility. We are all united as a group and we move forward together. He led the talk today, came on with the conviction to help, and found his reward in the goal. No one is given 400 matches in the First Division for free, and today he showed why.”
Chupe and Niño, around 30 goals
“We have the opportunity to have players like them and we have to take advantage of it. That leads you to not have the best defensive balance in the league, but also to scoring with players capable of finding the net consistently week after week, something we cannot give up. They are in a great run of form.”
Recognition from the fans
“I am a coach. I represent the work of a coaching staff at a sensational level, and I am the visible face of an entire team. What people speak well of is not Funes, but Málaga, and the coaching staff. It makes me proud, because it is recognition for the club. I want to thank them, despite the distance, it was a bank holiday, and many were looking forward to big plans; and those big plans meant seeing ‘their’ Málaga. When you see them, you think, wow, we have to win no matter what. A ‘10/10’ fanbase, and matches like today help a lot. Away from home, many times, we feel like we are the home team.”
Sporting, next step
“We have to keep working. The match against Sporting de Gijón will be no less demanding than this one. We need a stable environment and for people not to doubt the team, to trust the young players, who are capable of doing very well. Everyone is enjoying it a lot.”
