Funes: “We’re embracing with excitement the privileged position we’re in”

#MálagaCastellón preparations

“The week has gone well, a bit shorter than we would have liked since it runs from Sunday to Saturday. We’ve managed it well, and the players are really looking forward to tomorrow’s match.”

Two teams well known since Primera RFEF

“It’s important to maintain the structure and players over time, we’ve also seen a strong Córdoba. It shows that many times, keeping a solid core is more important than big signings. Both projects illustrate this very well, and hopefully both can continue achieving promotion changes in category.”

Team strength

“I said it after the match, even when they were behind on the scoreboard, they felt they could equalise and then win. That feeling gives them a lot of strength, the sense of being capable of fighting and competing in matches, regardless of greater or lesser adversity. They are experiencing it with a lot of excitement, we’ve reached a privileged position and we’re really enjoying it. You have to live these moments, because they are rare, and you need to enjoy them.”

High-level attacking line

“Shortly after I arrived, we talked about it, one difference compared to other seasons is being able to count on all three of them, which is a blessing. We knew their great level, but the playing style made it difficult for all three to play together. They have understood that and taken advantage of their opportunities. Matches are long and they will always have chances, so it’s great news to have them.”

Rival’s strength in set pieces

“Castellón have similar numbers to ours, offensively they are very strong. From set pieces, they are the best team in the league, and they’ve only conceded one goal from those situations. If you look at their attacking numbers in that aspect, it’s impressive, and defensively they are also very solid. It’s a team that puts you under pressure and dominates the inside channels. In the moments when we suffer the most, we will be closer to scoring. In those difficult spells when they dominate and push you back into your own half, we have to be patient and trust that, once we win the ball back, we have our weapons. We are very reliable in transitions, and that gives us the versatility to compete well. We have to stay calm, because that’s where we can win the match.”

Maintaining the playing style

“We’ve got it easy, we don’t need to do anything to build confidence, because the players already have it. All we need to do is replicate what we are doing. Sticking to the idea takes you to a much higher level of excellence. We haven’t switched to different playing approaches, sometimes we’ve won, other times we’ve lost. High pressing and taking risks with the ball lead you to a higher level of excellence. Staying true to that idea gives us more confidence and security, with a high standard of performance to remain on the path we’re on, where we need to be solid.”

Closeness of the fans

“I haven’t experienced any myself, but I have taken part in them. It’s very exciting for the players and takes their competitiveness to a much higher level. The barriers take a lot away from the welcome, keeping that distance makes it less spectacular for the players. It makes it much colder, and we would prefer there to be no barriers. If there aren’t any, it’s very important that it doesn’t lead to anything we might regret, there are risks, which is why barriers are put in place due to situations that have been experienced involving personal safety and the bus. I appeal to people’s sense of responsibility if there are no barriers. Not having distance from the team can be very important, and we get very emotional about it. We have a treasure in our fans, and it’s very important that we feel as close to them as possible.”

Reception on the avenida

“It’s something unique for many and unforgettable for everyone. It’s spectacular and beautiful, something you keep in your memory. The situation we are in leads us to experience these moments. They are always enjoyable to live through, what the fans are doing has really helped us and is carrying us forward. The other day it happened with the motorbikes, and things like that have given us a lot of energy, which we will need for the match against Castellón.”

Importance of the match

“It’s a match that could be like a playoff game, like the one against Las Palmas, it has all the ingredients to be one. A final? All matches have the importance of three points, and there’s also something extra at stake with goal difference. It’s a big match and that shouldn’t be avoided. If this is a final, then we will have more finals to come. It’s not decisive whatever happens, because we will continue with the same excitement and desire to go for the next one. Even if we win this, everything won’t be done, and we will also have to win the next. We don’t see this as a final.”

Midfield

“If even playing with the three of them means two are left out… Pablo tends to play more in the number six role. With Julen, Dotor, Darko, and Izan, there’s no problem fitting them in. They’ve recovered well, the demand from Castellón will be high as it was in Almería. We can replace three with three, and we’re not worried.”