Judicial administrator José María Muñoz accompanied Pérez at his press conference. “In the summer I began to forge this idea and quietly searched for a general manager. At Christmas time there were four profiles that I really liked and the possibility of Kike arose. I like his profile, his knowledge and his 22 years in the world of football. I can see he’s very excited, which is great as it comes with a message that we have inside, to be as united as possible. We’re in a tough situation, and the more united we are, the better. It’s in nobody’s interest for Málaga to go down to Primera RFEF. The message of unity has been conveyed to me by Kike, and he has my full support,” he said.
“It’s a tremendous honour for me to be part of this great club. I’ve arrived here full of enthusiasm, and in my first 24 hours that enthusiasm has multiplied by 10. This club has everything, and with unity and hard work we’ll get ahead. I’m here to do my bit so that, together, we can get out of this situation,” said Kike Pérez before answering questions from the media.
The Blue and White manager said he didn’t hesitate “for a moment to come to Málaga Club de Fútbol. Everyone at the club is excited and invested in my arrival, and I’m invested in the knowledge to understand the situation,” clarifying that he’s here “to perform the functions of a general manager along with the comprehensive management of all departments. I see highly experienced, very professional people, with great enthusiasm and ability,” and that a new sporting director is being sought following the departure of Manolo Gaspar. “Eventually I’ll be carrying out the functions, and Capote will continue as technical secretary,” he confirmed.
“I felt this was my place from the first moment I arrived. I accept this project with great responsibility. That confidence in myself is what I want to transfer to the club. I’m convinced we’ll get out of this situation, as if not, I wouldn’t have come to Málaga Club de Fútbol”, said Pérez, who added that he doesn’t have an “exit clause from Málaga CF. If José María or anyone else believes I should leave, then I would leave the Club the next day. I know the situation we’re in, I have experienced it in other clubs, but we’re going to turn it around, of that I’m certain,” he added.
Pérez is optimistic in his speech. “We’re more alive than ever. The club and everyone in it are united with enthusiasm. I don't have a magic formula, but I do know the things that happen in other clubs and I can help everything go well,” said the club’s new general manager, who confirmed that he’s already spoken with Sergio Pellicer: “The coach is a man from the house. I’ve spent time with him, and I’m delighted. The squad is capable of moving the situation forward.”
In addition, Muñoz, insisted on the importance of unity at this time: “The more united we all are, the better. Nobody wants this club to go down. We’re all frustrated by the situation, I understand the pessimism, but it doesn’t help us. We have great fans who, when they support us, will carry the team forward.”
The judicial administrator has contemplated a “relegation scenario. When I arrived more than three years ago, it was a situation we thought about, back in 2020. It has been considered, but I hope it never happens,” he stated.
Pérez also wanted to highlight the management of the Club. “What I want to stress, and what I can see from the outside, is a club that was in 18th place last season and that this year ranks sixth in terms of salary cap. Behind the scenes there’s a management of parameters in which Málaga is the leader. They’re doing really well. The management input I have had is very good, I would say wonderful, bordering on excellence. It hasn’t crossed my mind to make any changes,” he concluded.
(*) See photo gallery here