CD Mirandés
“A tricky rival, and it’s easy to see why. They’ve played only two home games. Imagine if we weren’t playing at La Rosaleda this year, not being able to play at home has held them back. We’re going to see a very different Mirandés in the second half of the season. They’ve made five signings, are strengthening very well, and will change half of their starting-11. We saw them in Gijón, they compete very well in the first half. Occasional mistakes are hurting them, but they still cause problems and are showing significant improvement.”
True to his message
“We’re only thinking about one match: Mirandés. We’re not looking beyond that. We’ll try to get points away from home. Every team is finding its position, and at Anduva, they know this is their chance to win and compete at their maximum. We’ll try to do our best there.”
Long week
“We rested on Wednesday and tried to break up the week a bit so it wouldn’t feel too long. The players are aware of the importance of the match. I spoke with Alfonso, and he spoke very positively about the club, the fans, and the supportive people around it, which makes you realise it will be a tough game. We need to understand these circumstances so we can anticipate what comes next.”
His debut, against Mirandés
“Eight rounds ago we faced them and beat them. Football is 11 against 11, and I keep stressing that we take it one match at a time. The more points you accumulate, the more attention you get, but that’s what we’re here for. What matters are the things that happen during the match. There may be more spotlights on us, but it’s important to stay emotionally stable. Not to swing from ‘Juan to Juanillo’, that will be important for what comes next.”
Club philosophy
“I want to defend our project, which I really like. José María (Muñoz) makes it clear that the cornerstone of the project has to be the youth academy. And he brings in Loren, who already made a difference with a project like this in Spain. He has the vision and conviction of what needed to be done. Now the fans are seeing Loren’s project come to life. Everything he wanted to achieve is happening. We have consolidated 14 players in the Second Division, key players in the category. Those are the signings Málaga is making. If Loren made a difference in San Sebastián, he will do the same here in Málaga.”
Rewarded in Loja
“Receiving this recognition at home is always very special. This is my family. I want to thank them for thinking of me. These are very special moments for me and my family. I will remember it for a long time, it’s not easy to be a prophet in your own land.”