The Chilean-born coach has called-up the entire team for Sunday’s match: “It’s important that we’re all together for this game.  I hope we can clinch a victory tomorrow against Deportivo and seal our European qualification next season, following the amazing year we’ve had.  The Champions was of the same importance to us this year as the League, and we all worked as hard as possible taking part in both competitions.  Now our focus is to qualify for the Europa League, and the whole team will be there as every one of them deserves it.”

Every injured player gradually returned to normal training over the past week, making the whole team available to the coach: “They’re all match-fit, having had a bit of time off.  Demichelis just made it back in time, but they’re all available to play tomorrow, so we’ll have the best team possible on the pitch.”

Málaga CF’s performance in tomorrow’s game could confirm their qualification to Europe next season, pending the decision reached by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.  Pellegrini is determined to say goodbye to the fans with a win tomorrow: “It’s always better to finish in sixth, rather than seventh position, and to win in front of our fans is particularly special.  Even if we lose tomorrow, we could still qualify.”

Pellegrini describes the last match of the season at La Rosaleda: “It’ll be a huge celebration for us if we win.  To qualify for European football for the second year running will be absolutely amazing for us all.”