Manolo initially expressed that “when there are moments of crisis, the image and voice of the institution becomes engrained. We are in this situation because of the sporting results. I assume that responsibility. It's all focused on me, so I think it's best not to be in the spotlight. It can be very tiring to be here in a situation that few of us know about. Only we know what we've been through here. My image recovered during the last transfer window, but those expectations weighed twice as much. It's football and I assume my responsibility.”

Regarding possible mistakes within his department, “when you have to form a squad every year, it’s normal for you to make mistakes. At the time I would have made the same decisions. When you make them, you're wrong. It’s the law of football. I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but none of them consciously,” he stated.

The departure of Pablo Guede was a turning point. “I met with the club, and they asked me to continue as they trust my work. And for me to take charge of this transfer window,” he clarified. “Football is about excitement and people want to be told things. Now new faces have to come in with different methods of work and fight to the death. The club now thinks it’s time for me to leave,” Manolo continued.

“If the team had won, this wouldn’t happen. The booing, singing or threatening my children, I’ve taken it all with a sportsmanlike attitude. The insults have more credibility than what the person says. I understand what they say about me, but I put myself in the firing line as I was asked to. Until today,” he continued.

Regarding the winter transfer window that has now come to an end: “It started the way we wanted it to, with five quick operations. We faced it with the intention of bolstering the team, not weakening it. Alternatives arose that didn’t improve the squad. At the last minute, opportunities always come about, and yesterday afternoon Tete's (Morente) arose. I did my job, we reached a late agreement and everything was rushed. I reached agreements with everyone, and many things occurred that depend on many people. These things happen,” he added.

“It didn’t pay off, but I'm loyal,” he said about his work and recent times at the Club. In relation to the team, “I told them what I thought. I still think it's a great squad. They are giving everything they’ve got, they’re a good group, and what has been discussed with them remains between us,” he said. Referring to the departure of Pepe Mel, “a change of coach is because of the results. With Pablo (Guede) we had less patience. Pepe understands it that way. Sometimes there are factors that speed things up or slow them down. It’s always tough dismissing a manager.”

The present and the future in the dugout - Sergio Pellicer: “Until 2024 because the confidence in 'Pelli' is two hundred by two hundred. Regardless of what happens. This is what the club thinks, not the sporting director. Sergio has his contract, and they wouldn’t find anyone who would work harder than him.”

Regarding possible departures in January: “Several proposals have arrived. No player has asked me to leave Málaga. Fran Sol had an important offer, but he wanted to be here. Hervías had a great opportunity, the club brought in some money, and believed that we would win with the change. Juanfran wasn’t performing as expected and we decided to shake it up and refresh that position,” explained Manolo.

Finally, from a personal aspect, Gaspar stated: “I’m going to follow Málaga. But I haven't eaten at my house for seven years. I'll watch it on TV. I am confident we’ll remain in the division, 100 per cent. I have no doubt. I’m certain we’re in the best possible hands,” he concluded.