The Blue and Whites’ coach views the trip to Australia as a positive one: “Although we’ve had very little time to train for this event and it’s a very long journey, we’ve all very positive. We’re focused on training well, working hard and performing as best we can in our two matches in Australia, a country I’ve never been to before.”
Whilst in Australia, Málaga CF will face Adelaide United FC and Perth Glory FC: “I hope the team shows what we’ve been working on in our defence and attacking displays. I really like the pre-season matches to be as demanding as possible, as they help to strengthen the team and give the players confidence.”
The Navarran-born manager talks about his team: “We’ve got a group of very different people, some who have been here for some time, and others who have recently joined us. The most important thing is to form a good team, not just 11 players, but a team. I want us to be identified by our style of play and for each of the players to be proud of one another, their coach, the fans and the Club. This is what we’re focusing on at the moment.”
The coach comments on the absences from the line-up for the LFP World Challenge in Australia: “With regards to the situation Eliseu is in now, it’s better that he stays here and continues training in order to improve his physical condition. We’ll see what happens in the next few hours regarding Portillo. It the Club’s decision to make.”
Also staying in Málaga are Tissone, Samuel and Flávio who are all injured, the latter suffering with recent back problems, making it unwise for him to travel on such a long journey. Joining them are Roberto Chen and Anderson: “By leaving them here it’s better for them as we’re trying to get both players loaned out to other clubs, which is something that can’t be rushed. What I can say is that they’re both working very well, and I’m pleased to see that they’re improving every day.”
The Blue and Whites’ coach also talks about the six reserve team players who are undertaking pre-season training with the first team, and will be joining them on the trip to Australia: “They are working hard and possess many skills. Both the players from the second and first team are very professional and train hard every day. I see them working well, and I hope they get the chance to showcase what they can do, then we’ll see what role they’ll play during the League season.”
