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Manolo Gaspar: "The assessment is positive, I’m happy"

Málaga CF’s sports director appeared before the media accompanied by general manager of the Entity, Richard Shaheen. “The Club is in the most stable situation it’s been in for the past five months. We’re moving in the right direction”, said the director.

Statements by Málaga CF sports director, Manolo Gaspar

Conclusions of Winter Transfer Market 

“I think we have to be clear about the context. When I took on this role, I was aware of the financial difficulties we had in the market, so from there we worked hard. I thank ‘La Cueva’, the legal, financial department, who got behind everything. The fact we only have 18 registered players is no coincidence. It’s punishment for what happened in the past. I didn’t want to waste any time and got in touch with LaLiga. I must thank Raúl Ojeda and Luis García from LaLiga, they helped me out so much. I understand their work and what they have to do, and they understand mine. There were moments when I was somewhat aggressive, but they understand what my work entails. Thank you to LaLiga for their help and for being so responsible in their role.

The restrictions were huge, taking us to a Second Division B market. We got to work and saw the difficulties we could be faced with. Going to a Second B team and taking their star striker was impossible as we were unable to undertake any type of transfer.

We had access to so-called ‘B’ leagues and began to put the feelers out to players who had been with the Club, but financially we couldn’t offer anything. Following these difficulties, it was clear we had to be realistic and go to the markets where I could do something. My first objective was to have 18 available registered players for the coach. This we achieved. Then, we had to incorporate players for the attack as we had a significant deficit. We did this with two players from the category. One of the important things I’ve seen in this transfer market is that these players wanted to come here. For me it’s essential that the players wanted to come to Málaga. They wanted to come here so much that they were willing to lose money. Two players who want to fight like that are worth more than 25. They are two versatile players.

Player registration number 18 is a double whammy: we’re bringing value to one of our own lads and we have another reserve team player on the pitch, which is very important when it comes to the line-up. We have a good batch of homegrown talent that will bring us a great deal of joy.

Another objective was to resolve the situation regarding the players who weren’t registered. I thank all three for their conduct and professionalism.

There are three different cases. With LaLiga I was able to find a way to sign up Iván and Mula, but there had to be a significant effort made. This is something highly personal, something we couldn’t force, it had to come from them. We sought the best solution for them, and I believe they’re happy. They are our players, they’re re-evaluating and next year will be here again.

The situation regarding José was more complex. He couldn’t join because of the conditions of his contract. The Club tried to find one of the options available that could reduce the salary and from there, Fuenlabrada came about. For us, as he’s staying in Spain, José Rodríguez can reassess a little more.

In addition, there’s the case of Hugo. We had high hopes for him. There was a very important renewal proposal before me, but the player didn’t want to accept. Never has an order been given where the player wouldn’t play for the reserve team. Pellicer had an order from me to be fair to the player, but he’s 19 years old and it isn’t easy.

He decided not to renew and then Real Madrid appeared, and that was that. It all adds up, plus the salaries we’ve saved with the loaned-out players, and we’ve reinforced the team at a time when every euro counts.

With Keko we reached an agreement whereby we save on the salary and are left with 30% of any future sale of the player.

Lorenzo was a contract termination, leaving an available space on the team.

Cecchini went to Argentina and will return in summer. It’s a good move as he gains value in the market, so we’ll see.

We’re concerned about the here and now. In a normal club, the management and the sports aspecst operate at two speeds. The management focuses on the medium-term, whereas the sport side goes match by match. Both are running in the day to day, which allows us to see things more realistically. We have to take each step at a time. LaLiga is pressuring us as we did things wrong last year and now we need to seek solutions so they can see we’re now doing things in the right way. This is the summary of what we wanted from this transfer market and what we have achieved. For me the assessment is positive, I’m very happy as I believe we couldn’t have done any more. I gave my all”. 

 

Questions from the media

Calm in the dressing room, a united team? 

“A large part of the Club’s viability is down to the sport, so we have to be strong. It’s difficult to perform how these players are performing. This team has stuck together and is performing well. These players are people and it’s been an incredibly busy summer. To date, there hasn’t been one calm week. From the Club we try to convey as much peace of mind, confidence and transparency as possible, so they can forget about everything and do what they do best. We have a good team and should be higher up than we are, and I’m certain that will soon be the case. This is a spectacular group and they are convinced it will happen. I wouldn’t change this squad for anything”. 

Dialogue with LaLiga

“LaLiga sees that we’re trying to do things well. They demand a series of numbers that in this market couldn’t be resolved, but the market is still open and offers are still arriving. Málaga has to do its homework. I try to ensure the negotiations get the best out of what we have. All clubs are sellers. We’re all limited by the salary cap in one way or another. I have the utmost confidence in the finance department as they’re doing everything they can. We have time to resolve this and LaLiga is doing what it has to do, to keep the pressure on”.

Sergio Pellicer

“I’m delighted with Pellicer. I’m an interim sports director and give my all every day, which is exactly what Pellicer is doing. Having a coach like him is an honour. He knows the club, the youth ranks, he wants to do things right. He doesn’t need anyone to endorse that. He knows where he is, knows the dressing room, and I’m with him all the way. He’s dedicated to his work and to moving things forward”.

Savings in the winter transfer market 

“LaLiga requires us to ensure there will be no payment defaults. In this market we saved around a million euros and we’ve spent very little. The balance is positive. LaLiga doesn’t want any non-payments so it’s about balancing income and expenditure. They want us to end the year well and have healthy accounts. This is a good thing, all clubs have to comply and we’re no different”.

Market always open

“There are options that a player could leave, should Málaga consider the offer to be positive.  We must be realistic and see the Málaga we are. We need to grow from the bottom up. If there’s a good offer for a player, we’ll see. If it’s not good, it won’t happen.  There are other solutions, which are being worked on. We try not to entertain ridiculous offers for players”.

Analysis of the winter transfer market

“The market for Málaga has been like a jungle. The clubs take advantage of the situation, which is why we’ve tried to stay strong. In regard to the signings we acted quickly. The market wasn’t straightforward at all. We were extremely limited. It wasn’t easy but I’m very happy. The other methods of financing are not sport related”.

Constant communication with the dressing room

“They are aware of the situation and for them to enjoy being here and to fulfil their contract, they need to perform on the pitch. There is daily communication with the captains and the rest of the team. They are focused and convinced they’ll move forward. We are with them to the death, that’s the reality, there’s no other”.

Notifications from LaLiga

“I still haven’t had any notification from LaLiga. I know where I am and what point we’re at. If I don’t do what I need to do, we will not compete in the Second Division. When that time comes, we’ll see what solutions we have available and will work as hard as we can. We have had no notification of how our market could look for next year”.

Renewal contracts

“I’ve talked to the players whose contracts are up and who know the Club’s position. They are aware that this will take time and I’ve had good responses from the players. They understand the situation and want to help me. I want to be fair with them, but if I haven’t got any ammunition, I can’t do anything. I’m working on that, on what steps to take to avoid consequences, which is where we are now. This is my job and I’m not going to forget that”. 

Message to the Blue and White fans

“The fans are hurt, as we all are, but our fans win matches. If the players want to come to Málaga it’s because of the fans. Of that there is no doubt. They protest because this Club, at the end of the day, is also theirs. I want them to stay as they are. I know they’re upset, but our assets will be stronger if they’re in the Second Division. We are forever grateful to the fans. They continue coming to watch and support the team, in spite of everything. They are grateful to the players, and I can only convey a message of thanks, and ask them to keep going and we can all move forward if we stick together. If this goes, we all go together, but if we achieve our objectives, we’ll achieve them together. We have to end with a message of unity amongst us all and thanks to the fans who, after the players, are our heritage”.

 

Statements by Richard Shaheen, general manager of Málaga CF

“The Club is in a far more stable situation compared to the past five months and I’m very proud of the work undertaken by Manolo Gaspar. We have to keep moving forward in many aspects”.