Málaga CF bids farewell to a tough 2022 with the hope that next year, which will arrive in just two days, will be better for the Blue and Whites. The dressing room, via its captains Luis Muñoz and Alberto Escassi and players Fran Villalba and Rubén Yáñez, wanted to send a message full of good wishes for the imminent 2023:
The four players started out by talking about the return to training:
Rubén Yáñez: “We return with great desire and enthusiasm. The dynamic’s better now, which adds another incentive to start competing.”
Luis Muñoz: “I feel the same. We ended with a victory and hope to enjoy many more in the second round. May we score many points in a 2023 full of enthusiasm.”
Escassi: “These holidays came at a good time to reset our minds and come back refreshed. However, as Rubén says, we’re in a more positive dynamic, the best in LaLiga, in the last seven games we only lost to Levante. We hope to start the year the same way we ended it.”
Villalba: “I can see the team has returned with enthusiasm, eager to face the second round and affront it in the best possible way. The last three points were very good for us. We’re already focused on scoring another three against Tenerife and getting out of relegation.”
2023 will be key to getting out of the danger zone. The players added:
Rubén Yáñez: “We’re certain we’ll get out of there. We’re in a good dynamic, we know the way forward and are sure we’ll be out of danger soon.”
Luis Muñoz: “We always focus on the positive. In the first round we left many points behind along the way, but there’s a lot at stake in the second round and we’re incredibly enthusiastic. Out of the last seven matches we only suffered one defeat.”
Escassi: “We can’t wait to get started and make our fans happy. We want to come back stronger at home, I think we've been doing quite well in recent games. Above all, we hope this new year will respect our injuries, bring good health for everyone, and that we’ll soon get out of this situation. We know we can do it and are looking forward to the start of the second round.”
Villalba: “In the short term we have the option of getting out of the relegation zone if we beat Tenerife and Racing lose. This needs to be our mentality, take each match at a time. We need to focus on winning the three points from each game, we have the team for it, and we’re sure we’ll be able to move forward.”
Sticking together is crucial to achieve the objective:
Rubén Yáñez: “I think we’ve always been united. The results at the start didn’t go our way, but from the first day I arrived the group has been phenomenal and continues to be. If we’re stronger now, it’s because we’ve learned from our mistakes. All that remains is positive. The matches are looming, we’re more eager than ever and I think we’re on the right track.”
Luis Muñoz: “I feel the same, this group has always been united. We characterise ourselves for being good teammates and sticking together. The main thing is humility and ambition. We’re turning the situation around, but not because we weren't a united group before, but because we’re learning from our mistakes.”
Escassi: “I think that if this group is characterised by something it’s the good atmosphere, the unity and the commitment. It's in bad situations where you can see the union of the group. Ours is amazing, we’re all moving in the same direction. Hopefully we’ll reap our reward sooner rather than later. We all deserve to get out of this situation.”
Villlaba: “When I arrived, I saw a very healthy environment, it's one of the best dressing rooms I've been part of. I don't think it was because of the results, the team was down, no teammate has made a bad gesture. This is what's going to get us out of there. The group is great in terms of talent and work ethic.”
Toast to a Happy 2023!
Rubén Yáñez: “I wish the fans a Happy New Year. May this coming year be one of great joy for everyone, I firmly believe that will be the case. We ask the fans to always keep cheering us on, they are a supernatural force. We’re going to do our job and make Málaga enjoy football and competition again.”
Luis Muñoz: “Happy New Year to our fans. We want to bring them lots of joy next year. We’ve got some important home games coming up and we want to celebrate victories with them and ensure we remain in the division. We want them to enjoy supporting us, we’ve gone through very difficult times in which we have all suffered. I hope that 2023 arrives loaded with enthusiasm, victories and happiness.”
Escassi: “I wish the Malaguistas a happy, healthy New Year. We’re so grateful for their unconditional support. What they convey to us on the pitch is amazing. Let there be no doubt, we hope this union remains and they trust in us. We’re going to give our all in every game to be able to move this forward and make the fans happy.”
Villlaba: “I wish every Malaguista a Happy New Year. Let’s hope 2023 is a healthy one for all and a year with great ambition. May the fans trust us, we’re going to get out of this.”
