The Malaguista coach held a press conference in La Rosaleda’s ‘Juan Cortés’ press room following today’s open-door training session. “It wouldn’t be like that in other cities,” he stated.
Pepe Mel appeared before the media in today’s press conference ahead of the Málaga CF - CD Tenerife clash. The coach analysed the team’s state of mind before the second round of the competition gets underway. “We’re left with the feeling from the match against Alavés. The lads performed well then, and now this is another opportunity to continue moving forward. We would surpass the 20-point mark and win the second game on the bounce. This is a crucial match, they all are in the second round,” he explained.
The return from the Christmas break doesn’t appear to have affected the physical condition of the players much: “We’ve had two stages of training sessions. The one when we returned on the 29th and then after the 1st. We’ve recharged our batteries and introduced concepts which has helped us to do more things. I’m sure we’ll see them in action during the match against Tenerife,” he added.
Julián Delmás was Málaga CF’s first signing of the winter transfer window. “He’s been with us from day one. He competed very well the other day and I usually reward these things. He’s here to help as another member of the team,” he commented.
The infirmary is starting to gradually empty. “Juande is a very important player, if he has no injuries, he’ll be one of the best signings. That central defender competition is going to be important for the team. He’s a player we have to keep. With regard to Gallar, the problem is that he hasn’t competed. Otherwise, he’s been training well and is ready for Saturday. It’s good news, like Juande, they are players who make us better,” he stressed.
Over 5,000 fans far exceeded expectations attending the open-door training session. The extraordinary atmosphere experienced today is an example of the quality of the Malaguista fans: “This is extremely important. This means that we are indebted to the people. It’s amazing to see so many children excited to see the team from their city. It’s a message we must respond to on Saturday against Tenerife. We’re incredibly lucky to have these fans. It wouldn’t be like that in other cities,” he concluded.
