José María Muñoz brought together the city’s sports press to explain first-hand the reality of the Entity and the action roadmap. This private gathering was not a press conference, but a meeting to contextualise information about Málaga CF’s current scenario.
Due to the social distancing requirements, the press room space was drastically reduced, therefore not allowing the Club to make an open press call.
Following an introduction by the lawyer there followed a series of questions where the journalists had the option to dispel any doubts and share thoughts. The director also announced some important news; such as works resuming on The MCF Academy at the end of June or beginning of July and the naming of Natalia Gutiérrez as coach of the Málaga CF Femenino first team.
Statements by José María Muñoz
Initial days and the start of the re-structuring
“I arrived at the Club at a difficult time. I was faced with certain instability. I found an interim coach, a sports director that didn’t exist, as at that time Manolo Gaspar was technical secretary, the head of Medical Services was separated from the daily management of the Club. At the first meeting I attended on my first Monday here I met with around 15 people: managers, coordinators, heads of department, department managers…talking to one another about everyday matters. I realised that there was a pretty large disconnection between each of the departments. From that moment I knew that what needed to be done is to restructure Málaga into four main departments, which you already know about, featured in the feasibility plan, plus the Medical Services that should be kept separate, along with the MCF Foundation. This is the path we’ll continue working on”.
Málaga CF Femenino, completely integrated
“One of the things that worried me when I started to hold meetings was Málaga CF Femenino. I had another meeting with the players and they said they felt they were apart from the Club. The best thing isn’t to talk about things, but to do them. The first thing I did was to go to my office and read the part of the feasibility plan concerning the women’s section. Here it says that Femenino is integrated into Málaga CF. Proof being that at the helm of the sports management is Manolo Gaspar. I asked Manolo not just to carry out the role of sports director, but to also assist me with everything sports related, including The MCF Academy and Málaga CF Femenino. Manolo Gaspar is in charge of everything to do with sport at Málaga CF. Logically, Manolo took a step forward and helped me. One of the players on the women’s team, Ruth, who had a problem with her knee, did everything possible to rectify it. She is now being treated by Doctor Rosado. Femenino is just as important as the first team, reserve team and The MCF Academy”.
The Malagueño player, the star product of The MCF Academy
“Speaking of the homegrown players, an interview was carried out with Manolo Gaspar and Duda about the meaning of The MCF Academy. COVID-19 and the economic situation has meant we have to look to the youth ranks. Málaga has always been a source of important players, we have people from Málaga playing all over Spain. Paco Martín Aguilar told me there have been full line-ups featuring all Málaga players and, furthermore, the first two substitutions were also Malagueños. Málaga has a difficult financial situation, but highly important youth ranks”.
Institutional support
“I must thank the institutions who have shown their support for Málaga from the outset. They have no money to give us, but they certainly show us their support to make our job easier. I’m referring to institutions such as the City Hall, the Diputación Provincial, the Junta de Andalucía and government sub-delegation. They all got behind our solidarity t-shirt campaign for the fight against COVID-19, which sold very well. Almost every Málaga personality we asked to make a small recording to promote the initiative did so straight away”.
Request to eradicate the limit of reserve team registrations
“We are in constant contact with LaLiga and the RFEF, knowing the relationship isn’t going through the best time. Now we’re trying to eliminate the minimum number of professional registrations. Last Saturday, the coach had to stop training earlier than planned as various players were suffering with injury discomfort. We could find, due to the limit of registrations we have (18), that if a player is sent off or sustains injury during play, that this could lead to defeat and the corresponding fine. However, dialogue must be maintained, but making sure we assert our rights”.
Situation regarding season ticket holders
“We’re still unsure what we’re going to do with the season ticket holders, we’re looking at different formulas. It will depend on the liquidity we have. I wish we had sufficient funds to reimburse everyone, but this isn’t the situation we’re in. It’s a complicated situation and will continue to be so for several months. We’re seeking formulas and every week we hold a meeting in regard to this matter”.
Return of competition with strict safety measures
“As the competition resumes, the security measures will be incredibly strict. You have protested that you were unable to enter the stadium. We tried to make this request, but it is up to LaLiga. The controls are extensive. In terms of entry, until we have a closed protocol, we don’t know what will happen. We have to follow protocol in absolutely everything; training, personnel who are close to the team, who will be travelling, accessing the stadium… In my case, I had a pass to access any part of the stadium before the COVID-19 pandemic, but not for match days. I can only access the box, so you can understand the situation we’re faced with”.
Financial measures
“One of the first emails I received from LaLiga said that we are outside the salary limit. It’s a very serious problem, we had four windows of opportunity to resolve it, but we didn’t. This is in addition to the structural fees, which are totally disproportionate. We don’t know what will happen with the ERE as we’re still in a consultation period, so we don’t know the final savings that will be made. The remainder of the measures that are being adopted, such as savings following direct negotiations with employees, the Olympic stadium, we’re waiting for the judge to resolve the issue of the houses…all this is helping us try to comply with saving Málaga. It’s now not just about the imposition of LaLiga”.
No administrative relegation
“Fortunately, as you know, I made it clear to LaLiga that we couldn’t be relegated as for three out of the last five years we’ve competed in the First Division. However, Málaga’s problem is a financial one. Málaga needs money in the coming months. The savings on the structural costs will help, but it’s not enough. We need a loan repayment schedule that I’ve requested in court, amongst other measures”.
Court decision supporting the current administration
“I am not in possession of official notification of the rejection of the appeal that the Al Thani family’s legal representatives had presented. Anything that helps to bring stability to the Club is welcome. We have been working hard over these months and the only thing this does is confirm that the judge's order passed on 19th February complies with the law and was consistent in its development”.
