The coach was joined at the press conference in the ‘Juan Cortés’ press room at La Rosaleda by Sporting Director Loren Juarros. “Sergio, thank you for everything. Thank you for your work, your commitment, and your sense of belonging to the club. And for laying the foundations for Málaga’s future. I wish you the best of luck, and I have no doubt that one day you will return to Málaga,” he said.
Immediately afterwards, Pellicer wanted to thank everyone present, the players, coaching staff, medical and support teams, the club’s management and executive departments, and all employees of the Blue and White organisation, for their support over the years:
“Thank you all so much. First, to the players, who are the heart and soul. To the coaching staff and everyone who has accompanied me. To the sporting directors, Manolo Gaspar, Loren… Also, thanks when I arrived to Manel Casanova, Arnau, may they rest in peace… Basti, Paco (Martín Aguilar), José María (Muñoz), Kike (Pérez)… And thanks to the invisible ones, the staff, the true engine of the club. You have been like a second family to me.”
“That’s what I’ll cherish the most, along with my ‘boys’, all the players have given their all. We represent a great club, and you are like a family. You’re amazing and the ones who keep this going, the players and you, the staff. Thanks also to the media, to everyone, both for the criticism and the praise.”
“I’ll take with me the most beautiful experiences I’ve had. And the fans. What they have lived through these past years has been incredible. I ask for unity, together we are strong. Two years ago, we were in the depths, and thanks to them, we came back; I hope they continue with that enthusiasm. More and more kids are coming to La Rosaleda, and if we have stability, this team will go far because there are fans, players, and everything else. I’m leaving the best position of my life. Tomorrow will be a tough day, but thank you so much.”
Finally, there was a question-and-answer session with the media. “This is football, and you have to understand that. My previous farewell? They are different, but with the same feeling. I have lived a dream, the dream of coaches who were at La Virreina, youth football coaches,” said Pellicer, who concluded with a message of unity: “On Sunday, we must support the new coach, and the fans must support the team, feel invincible at home, and stay united. There is so much passion, so much energy… The club has it, the people have it, and I am fully convinced that the best is yet to come.”
