Good moment for the rival
“Ceuta’s streak is no coincidence, it’s the result of maintaining the Primera RFEF style of play. José Juan’s continuity gives them the opportunity to keep that identity. They are playing good football and make a difference on set pieces. Being sixth at this point is because they do many things well. It’s going to be an extremely tough match because they are performing at a high level. Aside from the first few matches, as they adapted to the division, they have competed very well, the challenge is immense. A team in playoff positions can certainly give you problems.”
David Larrubia and Carlos Puga could be available
“David has returned to partial training, he has tomorrow and match day left. He has a good attitude, so we need to be optimistic and think that he will be ready for the game and play. He’s putting in the effort, he’s improving, and that makes us optimistic. I think Carlos will be available as well. He trained normally today, and the fever and symptoms he had have disappeared.”
A positive streak
“Our challenge is to approach Sunday’s match with the greatest guarantees and to get a better streak going. We’re going to enjoy a beautiful atmosphere at La Rosaleda. As coaches, we always ask the fans to help us through difficult moments. I asked that we be able to project from the inside out. We’re feeling the fans very close, what happened in Albacete was spectacular, and the other day was no less. To hear only our supporters in a stadium with so much history is a luxury. Hopefully, we can enjoy a wonderful atmosphere to keep building together. Seeing them with that enthusiasm is what you work for every day.”
Tactical richness and team commitment
“We’re not going to say whether there will be two or three forwards, let the fans focus on supporting their team. The most important thing is that the team, with different players, continues to have its identity and its ability to create opportunities. That comes from the commitment of all the players, which allows us to compete at a higher level. The commitment is very high. We took many positive things from Gijón, and one of them was that.”
Focused on the pitch
“The most important thing is that these are football matches, the game itself makes the difference. We ask them to live each match and not think beyond it. They have to be convinced by what they can achieve through their play, not by external motivations. They are aware of how well they perform with the ball. We can’t be a roller coaster, we need to maintain stability both when we win and when we lose. The result shouldn’t affect that stability. What matters is competing well, and the team has the ability to stay on that path.”
Pastor’s renewal
“I congratulated him the other day. What the Club wants is to secure a player who is part of its assets because he’s a great player. He has been improving steadily, and within the style of play we have, he can make a difference. It’s good news for Álex, who is happy, and also for Málaga.”
Absences at left-back
“When you have fewer players, it’s a negative, especially when they’re in the same position at the same time. These are complex injuries that don’t recover in a short period. The calf and soleus are delicate areas because when you move, the force ends up there in the push-off. That makes it harder to estimate the recovery period. We’re going to move forward. Rafita is fully capable of playing there, as well as other players we’re testing. Rafita was a left winger in his youth, with us he played as a right-back, and we’ve also tried him in this position. Hopefully, he continues to compete like he did the other day, he was at a fantastic level, and we all saw it.”
Transfer window open
“The message I’ve discussed with Loren in recent days is unchangeable. I told him that we have a lot of confidence in the players we have. There are players who don’t get much visibility in matches, but they’re doing a fabulous job. Often, we see virtues in the neighbour’s house, and we have to be able to see the good in our own. We’re in a complex situation, but we trust the players we have. If I could sign to not make any transfers in the next two windows and ensure no one leaves, I’d sign it right now. Hopefully, we can enjoy the players we have.”
