Pepe Mel considers that “there are players who have to say, ‘here I am’, and be important in the team” tomorrow, against “a good opponent, with a good stadium and a good pitch. We have no excuses for not facing this match with the aim of progressing in the Copa del Rey.”

“It's a good match as we don't have any kind of excuse. The rival has players who have competed for many years in the Second Division, and we know that if we get through, we’ll be in a group with attractive rivals for our fans. This match deserves the utmost importance; that’s what I’m giving it,” he added.

In terms of names, “there are six Malagueño players in the squad list and there will be players who will have the opportunity to take a step forward. It’s wonderful for us that both Genaro and Jozabed have taken that step and are helping us a great deal. They are an example for the others. What the coach wants is to win, for Málaga to win and I’ll put those who I think will perform well on the pitch,” the manager stated. “It’s also good news that we can take Gallar to Tarragona. He’s looking forward to being back, he’ll have his minutes, and the Cup will come in handy to recharge his batteries,” he went on to say.

He also spoke about Manolo Reina, highlighting his behaviour as “an example for every member of the team. He’s training like the best, he sets an example as a captain and he deserves to play tomorrow,” he said.

“I choose the players who are going to win matches for me, the best. To me they’re all the same. The team is at a good level now. We have an official match tomorrow, an important one, and we want to go through on our own merit,” concluded the Blue and White coach.