Pellegrini’s statements.
(Málaga-Atlético). “Tomorrow we get back to the League; we’re in an expectant position. There are few differences between the teams and to play Atlético de Madrid, a direct rival, at home, means it’s a very important match and I hope we can get it. Diego Simeone has been a manager for a few years now, he’s done some important things, and he knows Atlético de Madrid well. His is an important contribution to a team that’s had a few sporting problems and let’s see if his contribution makes a difference on the pitch. The important thing for us is that we dedicate ourselves to the game and overcome a complicated rival.”
(Copa and League). “They’re two different competitions. In the League, we’ve still got three matches from the first leg, and we have to try and get the maximum amount of points to move forward; and the Copa is, luckily, open, but no-one’s thinking about Tuesday’s game right now. Losing is never a good thing, they played pretty well for 65 minutes but we lost a game that we could’ve nailed before. But as a coach, it’s never going to be a positive thing to lose. We had a two goal advantage, the team played a good match, but it’s the result that counts. But right now the team is only thinking about wining against Atlético de Madrid.”
(Atlético de Madrid). “They have a great squad and they’ve made some important investments, with some very destabilising players from midfield to upfront, that they weren’t able to assemble in the first part of the season, but it’s a team that’s been structured for great things. Falcao is a very good player, a goal scorer, and he’s been showing that in América, at River, in the Colombian national side, and also in their campaign here in Europe.”
(Malaguista fans). “The fans have always been behind the team, supporting even in the worst moments, La Rosaleda’s always full, and I hope we fulfil their expectations every week. We feel that they’re very behind us, and now I hope that we can have two great games and that we can dedicate it to them.”
(Stability). “We’re contemplating the Atlético de Madrid match. Each week there are rumours and it’s a subject that’s closed. Buonanotte? He’s a player in the squad and he’s in the squad because he’s important for us.”
