Funes: “If we give, people will give us much more”
Málaga CF’s coach held his first pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow’s game against CD Mirandés at La Rosaleda. “We want to prioritise having quality involvement, closer to the opponent’s goal rather than in our own half,” he said.
First days of work
“We’ve adjusted a few details, the team already has many good qualities. We want to prioritise having high-quality involvement, closer to the opponent’s goal rather than in our own half. We understand it’s a match where we must stick to the plan, and we’re clear on that. Sometimes the results come in the first minute or in the 110th, with all the added time there is now. If we’re able to stick to the plan, things will go well. Mirandés have good numbers away from home, with two players up front, and they’re strong with long balls. They thrive on forced errors, and we have to stay alert. Because of their size, they can hurt us on set pieces. We need to protect ourselves well there because it’s one of their strengths.”
Familiarity with the coaching staff
“I’m fortunate that the entire working team has been with me. We prepared a finishing drill that we’ve done before, the triangle one, and they knew how to set it up. I didn’t have to say anything, not the name, not the player positioning. Having worked with them has helped me a lot; coordination is necessary to make the most of our time. They were nice memories, it’s a time to enjoy. Yesterday afternoon we spent a long time watching Mirandés, and we enjoyed it like little kids. Thinking from the inside out, everything that’s happening is very positive.”
Group of players
“We have a young team with a lot of energy, a very healthy dressing room, which is one of its strengths. It’s a group we know well, so you don’t run into big surprises. The welcome wasn’t about bringing in someone new, but someone they already knew. I’ve been just one more among them.”
Rafita will play with Malagueño and the first team
“This is going to happen more often. Young players need to play. Rafita hasn’t been sent down to Malagueño; he’s a Málaga player who can play twice in a week. It has happened before that they’ve played with both teams. They’re young, full of energy, and he’ll be in the squad tomorrow. If Rafita keeps up his pace, he can play with the reserve team today and then start for the first team. He’s a Málaga player, we need to be very clear that reserve-team–registered players have to play. They can’t finish the season with very few minutes, because then they won’t consolidate as players.”
Atmosphere at La Rosaleda
“The people are sovereign and we have to respect what they do. We ask them to support the team, but everything starts from the inside out. If we give to them, they will give us much more in return. I have to make sure the players give, and when that happens, La Rosaleda will be with them. The fans are behind their players, I’m sure they’ll understand that they need to help them so they can enjoy them.”
Talk with the captains
“I had that meeting with them. Rather than telling them about the working lines, I asked them to tell me how they were feeling. I saw them eager and excited, with that touch of maturity needed to establish things that can help everyone.”
Sergio Pellicer’s advice
“I spoke with him. He told me I needed to stay calm, not to let anything condition me, because I’m coming in with fresh ideas. He talked a lot about the group, about their honesty and generosity. I’m grateful that he makes himself available, as he has always done. We talked about all of that.”