Before his press conference, Loren Juarros acknowledged “the players who stayed in the Primera RFEF and committed to the Club” who are no longer part of the organisation. “I want to thank them for their hard work and wish them the best of luck,” he added.
Overall analysis
“We have had more quality and better control of our work. We focused on Spain, the closest options. There have been three stages. A quick one: the first signings, Joaquín, Eneko, Adrián, and Dotor. Then came the situation with Nelson, which was unexpected and unforeseen. We acted responsibly and agreed to negotiate his departure. The possibility of Montero wasn’t easy, but we worked well and convinced the player. Then the league started with injuries to Luismi and Álex, which caused us sadness and urgency to find solutions. The winger issue was still pending, and it has been resolved with Dorrio to complement that position. The injuries also led us to bring in a central midfielder. Both the possibilities of Unai (Vencedor) and Darko excited us.
“The response has been quick, we are satisfied, and the squad is more balanced in all positions. There are more options and possibilities to win matches than last year. We are optimistic, we are happy, the coaching staff has been expanded, and the focus is on improving individuals in ways that benefit the team, with one fundamental principle: we continue to implement the club’s model, with 12 youth academy players, and we will keep prioritising internal talent over external signings. We are ready to compete every day.”
Objective
“Being better than last year. To be closer to winning every match, and for each player to keep improving their contributions to the group. Competing in every game will lead to greater achievements. That’s the plan we have.”
Salary cap
“It is what it is, and we have worked within it. The club has made an effort. The academy is also growing, with more professional contracts; and Malagueño has moved up, everything adds to the salary cap. Everything counts, and the limits need to be considered in context, depending on how everything is distributed.”
Aligned with Pellicer
“I’m delighted that the coach says last year’s performance isn’t enough. He’s going to give his best to achieve that. It’s something I value, the desire to improve. We’ve provided him with the tools so that this translates into the team’s performance.”
Model
“Talking about markets is relative. Yes, I am satisfied with the model, the project, and the philosophy of what we wanted to do. It is consolidating. Málaga is more of a football club compared to when I arrived here. The foundations are being laid to continue growing. The model and the project are bearing fruit. This club is very big, and we all have to do things as best as possible. For me, the most important thing is to retain those 12 academy players, the club’s most valuable assets, and those young players who will continue to develop.”
Personal
“I am here to work, day by day, and to ensure nothing distorts that. I said on my first day that I came to carry out this project and to stay for 10 years.”
Retention
“We want to convince young players that the club is not a stepping stone, it has to be an end in itself. We are succeeding in retaining the players. The club is the goal for playing professional football. Resources need to be allocated to the Academy to accelerate training processes and contracts. That creates a dynamic of commitments and projects. We have to view these types of expenses as an investment in the club’s assets.”
Atlético Malagueño
“They are facing a different, more demanding competition. With players who have ‘stepped up,’ like Rafa or Chupe, and others coming from below. It’s another stage in the process. We’ve retained important players, and they will compete with confidence.”
