Funes: “If we are bold here, we have to be bold there too”

First full week

“This is the first week covering all the training sessions. We would like to optimise our time more. The processes, the time spent on everything, talking and training, is longer than we would like. We will probably end up adjusting and optimising it. One minute can change everything, and that minute gives us the chance to experience the week differently. Smiling and believing makes things easier, and it’s important to structure both the week and the matches properly.”

Real Valladolid, a tough rival

“It’s an interesting team from a data perspective. They would be leaders in that regard; they provide the best pressing stats. Their set-piece data is spectacular, they’ve scored two goals from corners and haven’t conceded any. It’s intriguing. The coach has an aggressive, even intimidating mindset. I even spoke with someone to learn how to attack them. Look at their corner routines: they finish with very few players involved; the same goes for throw-ins. They’ve scored two goals in the final third from throw-ins. We’ve conceded two. On set pieces, they are truly distinctive. They press high and with great energy. The numbers don’t fully reflect the team’s potential when it comes to points.”

The same version of the team at home and away

“The other day I experienced an unusual situation. The coin fell the other way. We need to reverse the situation when playing away. We have to show ourselves the same as at home and as visitors. It’s normal for any team to earn fewer points on the road. We have to acknowledge our opponents, but beyond that, we should try to play the way we want regardless of where we are. The pitch is exactly the same size. There’s no reason to act differently. Sometimes that will lead to wins, draws, or losses, but what we do should be clear. I don’t like to see a team with two faces. If we are bold here, we have to be bold there too.”

There are no starters or substitutes

“We’ve told the players this, and we have to make it happen. The idea is that all players get to enjoy minutes on the pitch. This means some players won’t play the full match. Beyond that, everyone must give their all in every training session. Decisions will be based on performance, opponents, match situations, etc. It’s hard to predict the starting-11. Let’s use every moment to gather information. We will continue doing that and make decisions accordingly. I said it on the first day: there are no starters or substitutes. We don’t want to exclude anyone, everyone should contribute. This has to be a core principle of the team. We can’t give anything away, we’re competing, and we have to give everything.”

The team’s imprint

“You can’t fault the players for not giving their all, they’ve been running non-stop, both under Pelli and now. Beyond that, we always try to do things, and they don’t always work out. The other day we had the match with the most shots on goal in the league and the fewest long balls played. I’d like to see that continue. We have an idea, and it has to be the team’s imprint, not just the coach’s.”

Ambition and the pursuit of victory

“There’s an interesting point worth reflecting on. The league gives us 42 points at the start: it’s the only sport where not scoring a goal still gives you a point. From there, we have to try to win the match. That has to show not only with the ball, but without it too. People get excited seeing a goal like the other day. They also get excited seeing Málaga press high, force reactions from the opponent, and push forward. A 50- or 60-metre run is exciting too. We have to make sure those behaviours happen. We can’t just defend the point we have and settle for it. If we end up with nothing, let it be because we went for all three points.”

Juan Carlos Andrés makes his debut at Málaga CF

“I’ve known him for two years. He has spent three or four days with me. We wanted to see how we worked together and whether it was possible. I’m glad he’s with us. His experience speaks for itself. I don’t need to explain, he’s more than ready. It’s been a joy to have him because of his experience and his vision. I knew how he feels about football. He’s fully immersed in the habits we want. It was important that it ended up being him. It’s great news for us. We’re going to make the most of it and enjoy it.”

The youth players belong to Málaga

“They are Málaga players. You’ll hear me say that many times. They need to feel that they are Málaga players. I am Málaga’s coach, and I’m here for whatever they need. If Pablo comes, he has every chance to participate. We trust him now and in the future. He has been proving himself for many years. He gives us a lot of hope for what he can become, and I have full confidence in him. It’s very likely that he will take part in the match.”

Team absences

“We have to see it as an opportunity. The circumstances are what they are, and we don’t hide behind complaints or pity. The more players we have, the more we can contribute and the more variability we get; but I’d like to see it from another perspective. When one door closes, a window opens, and it’s an opportunity for those who play less. The players coming up from The Academy have taken that step forward. Those who come in are the ones we have to move things forward.”