Self-criticism and market analysis
“I understand the disappointment from those who may think reinforcing a certain position is essential. To some extent, we are also disappointed with ourselves. We assessed that the only position we could improve was the striker role, but it was not possible. I understand the frustration, but if the team managed to secure 31 points in the first half of the season, it means we have a solid group. We put in everything necessary to find a striker, but it's not easy to find one who guarantees optimal performance and is affordable. It was a consensual, responsible, and debatable decision, but consistent with the club's situation. I am confident that the players we have will help alleviate this situation. If anyone thought a miracle signing would come and solve the goal-scoring issue, they were mistaken. We explored many possibilities, but they were either inaccessible or simply did not offer a reliable performance guarantee. Given that, we decided not to bring in players from outside. We believe in a project, in a striker who is performing excellently in the reserve team (Chupe), and who may have more involvement with the first team. I would have liked to protect him more, but I hope that, if things don't go well for him, people will have the patience to understand that he still needs to develop during this transition to the first team. He will be more integrated with the first team, and this is the decision the club has made.”
A difficult position to find
“If we talk about a winter signing, and we are not the only club, as several others have not signed strikers either, of course, it is disappointing. But the market speaks for itself, strikers who deliver based on performance come with parameters that are very difficult to access. Strikers are either developed or bought, and those who can guarantee goals come at a cost. We are in a stable situation and want to be even more so in the future to eventually be able to access those kinds of strikers.”
Mutual termination agreement with Castel
“It didn't cost money (his departure), he received less than what he would have earned had he stayed here.”
Managing Chupe's Role
“We went looking for that striker, but it didn't materialise due to various circumstances. It also had to be a player profile with the specific qualities we were seeking. Regarding Chupe's situation, ideally, I would have handled it differently after his contract renewal. I would have preferred for him to have a calm season and continue doing things as well as he has been. We are committed to the club model we started last year, but we must also be cautious with the emergence of young players. Chupe's status remains unchanged, we don't want him to stop competing. If he goes three games without playing for the first team, Malagueño is still important, and the reserve team has a reachable objective: promotion. That's beneficial for everyone, from player development to attracting new talent. Chupe was playing an important role and will be much more involved with the first team. However, if he needs to step in and help Malagueño, he will do so with the same enthusiasm and intensity.”
LaLiga’s salary cap
“It’s set by the Professional Football League to prevent previous debt-related situations, a preventive measure to ensure clubs do not exceed their financial capacity. It limits you, but it also brings organisation and stability to Spanish football. Tebas made a comment acknowledging that we are finally working in a coherent way. Does it limit? Yes. But does it provide opportunities? Many, especially in what I believe in, youth development. Every player you develop within your club not only delivers on the field but also generates economic returns. It's an investment in the club's structure. I have a clear idea, and I am committed to carrying it forward.”
Structure of the sports management
“Last year's promotion was indeed significant. A technical department plays a crucial role when it comes to recruiting players. We are gradually strengthening it, just like all the technical departments at La Academia, to the extent possible. We've faced certain limitations since technology, manpower, and observation are essential. The youth development model is not incompatible with bringing in external talent, it's about seeking that extra edge by reinforcing key positions within the team's structure. We are working on this by bringing new people into the technical department and leveraging technology, data filtering, and parameters across different positions. Direct information is crucial, not just stats like passes and goals, but understanding the person, their profile and character. For that, you need eyes and hands. Nowadays, it's tough to reach places that others don't, but there are scouting grounds where few look, and there are situations involving young players who join big teams and later go out on loan. You need to have known that player beforehand to seize those opportunities.”
Independent decision from economic factors and restrictions
“There was no proposal that the Judicial Administration rejected. We were aware of the salary cap, and there were players we considered but ultimately dismissed ourselves. Others were discussed and agreed upon with the coach, and there was no refusal due to financial parameters. Additionally, there was no issue regarding the players already on the squad.”
Reinvestment in improvements
“The parameters were set for those situations. It's clear there have been savings and reduced expenses, and we will see how to reinvest that wisely, whether in contract renewals, next season, or other areas where the club needs improvement. We aim to make the most of it for the challenges ahead.”
Markets for non-professional categories
“This year, we brought in two young players, Álex Pastor and Julen Lobete. Yes, we are aware of players from Primera or Segunda RFEF, but due to their age or performance, they may not be a fit here. For the young players we have, like Ochoa, Cordero, or Izan, the club's criterion is that any external additions should have more experience. It may seem like everything is being done wrong, but we’ve achieved 31 points in the first half of the season, coming from Primera RFEF, which is something to be happy with. I’m ambitious, and it frustrates me to have lost the last three matches in which we took the lead, three games where the team played very well, just the way I like it. There are things we need to correct and improve. So, regarding the need to sign players... I am very calm with this team, this coaching staff, and with what will happen from here until the end of the season. We identified a position to strengthen, but we stick to what LaLiga allows us. We are demanding, and we will be even more so; no player will come in unless we are sure, as we don’t want to make a mistake, and they must provide a certain level of reliable performance. I believe the team is in good condition. Not signing a striker is not decisive. We need to regain that reliability and convey confidence and calm to this group of players.”
A model we believe in
“I’m not going to change what I believe in and what has shaped my life. I have my beliefs and experiences, and I will remain determined by them. As we progress, we’ll think about more things, take more risks, and explore other areas. We’ll make different bets, but we must go step by step. Things are built gradually. There’s a Chinese proverb that says, 'A falling tree makes more noise than a hundred growing.’”
Market for free agents
“I have no hopes of a miracle signing. We will stay vigilant. Since August, that work has been done, and those players are in our database with continuous monitoring, looking ahead to the summer for key positions. Later, we will refine and target more specific positions.”
A model for achieving results
“I believe this model, in the current situation, can turn the club's fortunes around. Málaga does allow for this, and what we’re doing is aimed at winning matches. I also think that the fanbase surrounding Málaga CF, so far, is responding positively. Models are more or less appreciated depending on whether you win on Sunday. I do this to win games; I’m not reckless, I believe in it. Social media is what it is, I don't have social media myself, but what’s posted anonymously... it’s respectable. However, I’ve been given trust, and we understood that this was the path to turn Málaga's situation around. What truly matters is the final outcome, no one is right or wrong about everything.”
Direct communication with those involved
“I don't talk about it, I work to bring those situations to a good outcome. I speak with the players every day, and if there's something to discuss, I tell them directly. I don’t talk about my negotiations, I discuss them with their representatives and the players themselves.”