Today, Monday, the ‘Juan Cortés’ press room at La Rosaleda stadium hosted the official presentation of the 2018 Russia World Cup preparation match between Spain and Costa Rica (11th November, 21:30). In attendance at the presentation were national team coach, Julen Lopetegui; president of the Andalusian Football Federation, Eduardo Herrera; Mayor of Málaga, Francisco de la Torre; delegate of the Andalusian government in Málaga, José Luis Ruiz Espejo; Diputación president, Elías Bendodo; and Málaga CF Club advisers, Antonio Benítez, Abdullah Ben Barek and Francisco Martín Aguilar.
Press conference - Julen Lopetegui (see image gallery here)
Return of ‘La Roja’ to La Rosaleda
“I’m thrilled to be here, in such a football-loving city like Málaga. We’re convinced that the fans, like in yesterday’s League match with the spectacular support they showed the team, will also show the same support to us”.
Costa Rica
“We’re facing a complicated, difficult rival. A rival who qualified brilliantly to the 2018 Russia World Cup, and also played a fantastic role in the previous World Cup. They’ve been playing almost by memory for the last five years, with practically the same 11. It’s one of the few World Cup preparation matches we have remaining. We must make the most of each one to get ready for the World Cup that generates so much excitement”.
Important game
“In the world of football, one co-exists with pressure on a daily basis, naturally. In regard to this match, we hope the fans get behind us and help us. Although it’s a friendly, it’s very important for us. We also hope the pitch is in perfect conditions and that everything comes together to make a good game”.
Return to the Malaguista stadium
“I’ve had the fortune of playing many matches at La Rosaleda. There were days when I came out with a smile, and others not (laughs). This will be the first time it’ll be a home game. I hope to leave with a smile, both myself and the fans”.
Málaga CF
“Málaga is coached by a good friend of mine, Míchel, and his second in command, Juan Carlos Mandiá, who is like a brother to me. I’m always very aware of everything Málaga does. Yesterday they achieved an important victory. I have the feeling, from afar, that the calm they have conveyed, based on the non-achievement of results and the confidence in a project, is very important in football. It’s advisable and healthy within a sporting structure. I hope it’s for the good of Málaga and my friends”.