Manolo Sánchez: “We want to end 2023 with three points”
Málaga CF’s second coach held a press conference this Friday ahead of Sunday's match against Algeciras CF. “The fans deserve a beautiful year, full of joy and a good Christmas, and we are going to try our best to make it happen,” he said.
Return to winning ways at La Rosaleda
“The team knows what winning at home means for us, the players live every day to get three points, and we give them the same importance away and at home. In front of 20,000 people, with our fans, to be able to end the year winning and being brave would be the ideal match. We’re up against a good rival and want to win the three points at home to say goodbye to 2023 in the best possible way.”
Back to the fortress
“They are the same players, they try to transfer the pace and intensity to the game. They know the responsibility they have here, these are moments just like when we are winning away from home. The victories at home will return and the positive streak will resume. Watching them in training, only good things can come. And even more so in front of one of the best fan bases in Spain, what better scenario to reverse this losing streak. They’re ready for it.”
Absences
“We still have the same ones. Genaro and Cordero have recovered from a minor viral infection. Except for the loss of Dani Lorenzo due to suspension, we have everyone available, providing nothing happens tomorrow. Let's hope that everything goes well and we have as many players as possible. They really want to play which is great for the coach.”
Rival
“Algeciras have a very balanced squad that knows very well what they are playing. A reactive team with very interesting counterattacks, aggressive and intense in high block pressure. We have a very clear plan and we hope it will materialise. They have very interesting one-on-one situations on the outside, speed and verticality, similar to us. They don’t crumble without the ball, they adapt very well to any rival. It’s an important game, but we have to have respect for them and be humble. It's going to be a nice game for the fans, for La Rosaleda, we hope the public enjoys it and we take the three points home and end the year in the best way possible.”
Demanding
“Algeciras have a lot of personality and will keep doing what they’ve been doing in previous matches. We know their weaknesses, we are going to try to attack them and strengthen our ability to generate chances. They are the second team with the fewest goals conceded, behind us, they are doing something right. They are a very compact block and there’s a lot of work behind it.”
Reaching 35 points
“Winning will see us with 35 points for the holidays, which is a lot of points. We are determined to perform well with such a young team with tremendous hunger and humility. The fans deserve a beautiful year, full of joy and a good Christmas, and we are going to try our best to make it happen.”
Renewal of five homegrown players
“What greater example is there for a juvenil, cadete, infantil, alevín, benjamín or prebenjamín player to see you can achieve your dream and reach the first team. We give opportunities to the young players as there’s a lot of talent which they’re showing us. We’re thrilled that they continue to fulfil their dreams here, they are excellent people, and they deserve it. There is no greater example for the homegrown players than this and with The Academy it’s a real boost of motivation for any player.”
Last match of 2023
“The important thing is to leave with three points and bid farewell to 2023 as best we can with the fans. May everyone leave happy and hug their families knowing that we’re on the right track. What better way to do it with three points against Algeciras.”