Mario Husillos: “The Club is going through a period of consolidation”

In the presence of Club advisers; Francisco Martín Aguilar, Antonio Benítez and Ben Barek; director general, Vicente Casado; and corporate director general, Manuel Novo, Mario Husillos begins by analysing the January transfer window: “Overall it’s been successful.  We had certain objectives with regards to the departure of players in order for them to have more chance to play football, which worked out well.  We also signed two new players who will support the team.  Roque’s departure facilitated the arrival of Javi Guerra, and Filipenko was an ideal player to sign within our possibilities, and serve so he will stay with us for a long time.  The situation regarding Antunes was special.”
 
Husillos discusses the departure of left-backs, Antunes and Casado: “We’re pleased with the decision made regarding Casado, and we have an option on him as well.  Antunes’ departure took place outside the transfer market.  We initially said no and resisted an important offer which came to the table on Friday.  However the following day Dynamo increased their offer.  We evaluated both the economic and sporting consequences of the decision.  We would lose Antunes’ sporting worth, but are convinced the team can maintain his level.  When it comes to defence, we’ve got good competition on the squad for this position.”
 
Málaga CF’s sporting director is confident the Club keeps getting stronger: “Málaga CF is competing based on a solid foundation of hard work and dedication, not forgetting the Club’s main objective, which is to achieve First Division permanency without a struggle.  The key word for us is consolidation.  Following a tense time, we’re now experiencing a period of consolidation.  The team is on the right track and we have a large number of people with contracts for several years, there will be renewals and new faces for next season…Without the knowledge of who we can buy or sell, Málaga CF’s foundation in the future is secure.  The Club is based on commitment and will…we’re trying to ensure the team has a trademark attacking style, particularly since the arrival of Manuel Pellegrini, with each player maintaining their style of play.  We are establishing Málaga CF’s identity.”
 
Mario Husillos also evaluates the Copa del Rey elimination: “The objective was to fight to go as far as we could in the competition.  I don’t think there was ever any mismanagement within the Copa del Rey.  The coaches decided to rest some players and rotate the line-ups as they know the team better than anyone.  Everyone was excited as we were all determined to make history, but we were up against a major rival.  We’re now in 7^th position in the League table, above other sides who have more resources than us.  It’s imperative we do not wallow in defeat and strive on for the remainder of the season.  Everyone had high hopes for the Cup, and we’re disappointed we didn’t make the semis, but the team really gave their all.  We’re now going all out to achieve consolidation.”
 
Husillos looks at last night’s victory against Valencia CF: “The assessment of this match is outstanding.  We’re very proud of all the players and coaching team.  The Club has a very committed squad who get along well, driven by young players who are bursting with enthusiasm.  All the pieces fit.  The reality of the situation is now the ship that is Málaga CF is making its way to the port.  There are aspects that require improvement, but we are all convinced the Blue and Whites’ project is coming to fruition.  From the outside we are seen as a young Club with a bright future, full of hard-working people.”
 
Lastly, Husillos discusses some of the players:
 
Rescaldani. “Ezequiel wasn’t getting the chance to play.  The options he had in Spain didn’t convince us.  There is an opening in Argentina so we’ll see if we can come to an understanding.  I’d like to see him compete as I think he’s an important player.”
 
Sergio Sánchez. “It’s been a while since we have spoken to him.  He has received an offer on our part.  There are discussions regarding salary and how much Málaga CF is able to agree to.  He’s a magnificent player, but his contract is ending and he has the right to sign to another team.  If we don’t manage to renew his contract we’ll have to take it in our stride, but we’d love him to stay as this is his home.  However the Club will carry on whatever the decision.  The train is passing through, if he wants to come on board we’ll wait as we’d be thrilled if he remained on the team.  He has not as yet made a counter-offer.  That isn’t a criticism, we hope Sergio, who is welcome to stay, will weigh up his options.  Sergio is a great footballer and has the right to ask for what he thinks fit.”
 
Camacho. “I had a call from Inter with regards to the possibility of negotiations, and we told them they would have to pay the 20 million get-out clause.  He’s an exceptional, international player.  If an offer comes up in summer we’ll sit down and discuss it.  If teams come forward like Arsenal, Manchester United, City or Dynamo, we’ll have very little to do.”
 
Amrabat: “When the right time comes the decision will be made.  He’s an important player, but we’ll see what happens when a decision is reached.”