Manolo Gaspar accompanied Lumor during his presentation to the media. The manager responded to several current issues. He started out by talking about the situation that forced him to carry out this operation outside the transfer market: “This is the third time this has happened to me in the role” - referring to the serious knee injuries suffered by Pablo Chavarría, Iván Calero and, on this occasion, Víctor Olmo. “The aim is for no more players to arrive until the transfer window,” he added.
The team’s position in the standings is complex. “Of course, we’re worried about the situation, just like the fans. We’re very self-critical, analysing the things we’ve done and how they can be improved. It’s about maintaining a balance, which is neither easy nor expected by us. We’re trying to do what is in our power at the moment,” said the sporting director.
The winter market is the next transfer window during which reinforcements can arrive. “I have great confidence in the squad, although we will have to make some adjustments, as the coach we have now sees football in a different way than our initial planning. Right now, we need to talk less and do more,” he stated.
“We didn’t start the competition well. We had planned a way to play, we made a roadmap for that, but then a series of circumstances occurred that we just cannot control. We had very high expectations, but we have not lived up to those expectations and the team has not got off to a good start. Now we have found more balance, but we’re in a complicated dynamic that we have to turn around and correct the mistakes we’re making. We need to face up to the situation we’re in,” explained Manolo Gaspar.
What will Málaga CF be looking for during the winter transfer window? This is one of the questions raised by the journalists present: “We’re looking for players who give us scope on the outside. When we plan, we look for players with a different profile, that's why we have good players on the inside. We want players to complement the two wingers. We have to get the most out of what we have and when we have the opportunity, reinforce those positions with good signings,” he said.
Lastly, he was asked about his personal situation, to which Manolo Gaspar replied: “José María knows what my situation is, there’s a lot of trust there. I understand the unrest. Much of the situation is down to what goes on on the pitch, my responsibility, which I assume as such. I always try to keep the balance at all times, so I'm not going to leave the team in this situation. It's not in my personality. I have to assume my responsibility. I prefer that the chants and criticism are directed towards me instead of the team. I prefer that the group is well, protected, works hard and everything that falls, falls on me. It's not a comfortable position to be in, but I'm prepared to take it on as it goes with the job. I took on a very important challenge three years ago knowing that this time could come. I’m prepared and, of course, I’m not going to be a problem for José María or the Club,” he concluded.
