Statements from Pellegrini

Injuries
"Mathijsen will be out for a while yet, and Monreal has had a few problems and I didn’t want to risk it, so I left him out of the line-up”.

MCF-Valencia
“It’s an important match to try and get to third place, and a big step in our European objective.  A win in front of our fans against a big rival like Valencia would be great.  We’ve got three matches in a week, with three days inbetween each one.  There’s no problem from a physical or psychological aspect, we’re prepared for big matches against tough rivals.  I don’t think we need to be worried about tomorrow’s game against Valencia, however they’ll make it difficult for us.  They’ve been behind Madrid and Barcelona for the last three years, they’re a big team with big ideas, who have played good matches every week”.

Team focus and support from the fans
“Since the beginning of the season, the team has been concentrating on the matches ahead, and maintaining their focus, which is so important.  We’ve still got a lot of work to do to get to Europe, starting with tomorrow’s home game.  The fans have always supported us, and it would be amazing for us, and them, to win tomorrow.  One goal or one point can be the decider, the difference is minimal, so we need to keep playing like we have all year”.

Valencia-Atlético, Europa League
“They’re very different matches, and that’s in the past now.  I’m sure we’ll face a Valencia tomorrow who will be fighting to get to the Champions League. Málaga will be looking to dominate the match from the start, hoping for a victory in front of their fans”.

Making history
“The team isn’t focused on making history, we’re concentrating on earning points and getting to Europe, then we’ll see what happens.  We’re completely focused on the job in hand, we’ve been fighting since the very first day, with intensity, commitment and dedication.  We’re at the final stage now, which will be tough, but I’m sure we’ll do it”.