Funes: “We have to give everything we’ve got so that people can feel proud”

Closing the Copa del Rey chapter

“We played the Copa, and we opened a new chapter because it’s a different competition. We were excited about going through, and it was a missed opportunity considering the benefits the Copa could have brought us. From there, we close that chapter. We have to focus on the immediate present, because if we don’t, things won’t flow properly. The best way is to avoid weighing ourselves down. The chapter is closed, and now it’s time to move forward. Being knocked out was painful, and even more so because of the way it happened. It’s a situation where you have family and friends who invest their time and money, who get home at four in the morning and still go to work the next day. It hurts because of the people. Even so, we can’t stay stuck in sadness or blame. We have to put on a smile and give our best on Monday. We’re facing a rival that comes in with three straight wins, winning one is hard enough, imagine three. They’ve spent six weeks working very well as a unit, and it’s hard to create chances against them. Their results have come from that strength. They’ve only conceded one goal from a cross and three from transitions. Defensively, they’ve taken a big step forward. They have a good squad, and over the last four matches they’ve shown numbers that would have them fighting for the top of the table. We know how difficult and important this match is. We have to close the chapter and give everything so that people can feel proud of us. We must do everything in our power to make that happen.”

New energy

“The defeat stings, it hurts, and it follows the players around. I asked them to end the mourning today before training. They put in a spectacular session, they pulled out that thorn. It was one of the best since I’ve been here. I want them to channel all that frustration and turn it into something positive. Hopefully, after going through that tough moment, we’ll be able to keep training the way we did today.”

Focus on the here and now

“Málaga is already moving toward the next match, which is always the most important one. This is the most important game of the year, and when it’s over, the next one will be. Málaga’s path will be defined week by week; drifting away from that is a mistake. The competition brings situations, injuries, refereeing decisions, and others, that you can’t control. The key is to focus on what’s next. We’ve spent too much time thinking ahead. What truly matters is that people leave La Rosaleda happy. What comes after, we’ll see when it arrives.”

Keeping the excitement alive

“It hurts, and I felt terrible. You see people who have to travel back home without having enjoyed their team, and that stings. In this position, you have to work hard to make sure that feeling lasts only as long as it should. The energy running through me is strong, I’m focused solely on making sure the next match goes well, and that gives you strength. The excitement is still intact. We’re in a difficult situation, but I’m convinced things can turn out well. I truly believe we’ll be able to enjoy this season if we put in everything that’s needed.”

Real Zaragoza, a rival in a positive dynamic

“The players were the same before and now, they were, and still are, very good. They have a strong squad and have shifted their dynamic on the pitch. The coach has given them solidity without the ball, and we’ll need to be patient and consistent. Over their last three matches, teams have barely managed to get a shot off against them. They’ve become very strong through the middle, and putting the ball there exposes you to dangerous transitions. That solidity is starting to pay off for them.”