Clear ideas and boldness
“We started well in the opening minutes. Then they found some rhythm, so we changed our pressing, and it worked. The team had a clear idea of what they wanted to do, and we took the lead. With the 1-0, we had to keep pushing for the game, it was important to want to keep winning. We kept creating chances, but the penalty hit us hard. I’m glad because it shows that this team doesn’t give up. Part of this team was promoted in the 122nd minute. You have to stay firm in what you believe. You say things, and then you have to do them. We brought in that second striker, and the substitutions were key. The message was clear: we wanted to beat Almería. No steps back. There will be days when, making those changes, we lose. But they did very well, and if we’ve shown anything, it’s that this team is much more than 8 or 10 players.”
Well-deserved victory before the holidays
“It’s not easy. Almería have a lot of quality; it’s a team I really like, with a very strong offensive power. I congratulate my players for their boldness, for that fearlessness, and that makes you feel proud. We finished the match and close this chapter. We have to stay calm. The league is very tight, and the most important thing is to focus on each game, and when one ends, look to the next. The euphoria must be kept in check. The holidays are coming, the lads deserve a good break, but with moderation. It’s essential not to get carried away by emotions.”
Consistency and ambition
“This is a victory for the players, because they did it. We have tried to be consistent with what we tell them. The difference between what you say and what you do cannot be too great. It already happened in Albacete, with the draw, that we had to keep going and look each other in the eye.”
Solid foundation of work
“This Málaga from these last five matches has many qualities of the previous Málaga, because it has very good players. Without those injuries, the team would probably have flowed differently. We’ve built much more than nothing. In my case, there are players I’ve coached for three, four, or five seasons. What I ask of them is something they’ve experienced with me for a long time. When you explain to them what you want from them, it makes everything much easier. And the essence of what has been done before has helped achieve this performance.”
Ambition and desire to earn three points
“We are Málaga, and we have to go for the matches. To want to shoot, have that depth, and take risks. And to get into the box with real advantage situations. That part is very important, and they have understood it well.”
Work and responsibility
“I hope things go well for me because that means things are going well for Málaga. We’ve been through difficult situations for many years. I joined, for the fourth time, with the risk that the club could disappear. I completely understand the people. We are the best city in the world, and our place is in a higher division. There is a young group, very motivated, a coaching staff I’ve worked with many times, and it was a unique opportunity for me. We work every day so that the fans feel proud. In a role with that level of responsibility, I know where I am, and whatever you do must be for the good of the club.”
Amazing performance in goal by the captain
“Alfonso, a goalkeeper who achieves what he achieves. That corner kick save in Primera RFEF. His confidence is incredible, the numbers don’t lie. He improves our defence and gives you a huge leap in quality, hard to find in this division. Probably one of the best, or the best, goalkeeper in the Segunda División.”
Options up front
“As for Chupe, we have very high-level players, and they will be able to show their best version. Eneko had a very good game in Albacete. Adri has trained like a beast this week. It wasn’t easy to make the decision, but I was calm as a coach knowing that any of them would have done well.”
Tight-knit group
“It’s not easy to find such strong cohesion within a squad. That makes everything come together much better. In any group, good synergy among those who fight every day for a common goal is very important. There is a lot of health in the team, with strong emotional bonds.”
Superb Dani Lorenzo
“I’m not surprised, I’ve seen it before. We’re not going to question Dani’s talent. We know what he can give us, he’s a player who can set the standard in this division. This type of player needs the ball and for it to go through his feet many times.”
Next objective: Gijón
“I hate to bring the mood down. Málaga has a reality, and soon we’re going to Gijón. A team that is in a very strong mental moment. We will go to win, it won’t be easy, and that match is already challenging enough. We’re not going to change our mindset. We mustn’t get carried away in the good times, nor down in the bad ones.”
