Statements from Pellegrini
First team
“The team is focusing on the two remaining matches of the season, and trying to finish as high up the table as possible. It’s always important to be able to play in Europe, and this big step forward for us has been a result of the team’s tireless effort in their determination for victory. I’m not going to analyse the referees from a coaching point of view, and I don’t think they had any intention of persecuting any one team. I felt it was important for Portillo, like Juanmi and Recio, for him to remain at Málaga CF for his progression as a player, and we’ll see what happens next year”.
Europe, a reality
“We never set an objective at the beginning of the season. We’ve now achieved qualification to the Europa League, and are still fighting for a place in the Champions League. There are still two matches left to play, and we need to earn as many points as we can. Atlético have been working hard in the Europa League, so they’ve had extra pressure on them physically, but this is something that they’re used to, so I think they’ll be a difficult team to beat. If we are victorious in tomorrow’s match and we qualify for Champions, it’ll be one of the most important matches in Málaga’s history”.
Al Thani, in Málaga
“We talked about the future of Málaga, and what’s happening now, in relation to the team. He’s been here this week and will stay until the last match. I hope we’ll be celebrating with the Sheikh, coaching team and players, our move to Europe against Sporting”.
Physical and mental aspect
“I can’t say how Atlético will play, but I can be certain that we’ll go out there in search of victory, and will come home with three points if we’re the better team. We need as many points as we can to be able to qualify for the Champions League. Joaquín and Monreal are match-ready, the only player I held back from the Barcelona match, was Weligton. The team is both physically and mentally prepared for this game”.
Successful season
“We’ll be able to evaluate our performance, at the end of the season. I said from the start that for a team to have improved this much, doesn’t mean they’ll qualify for the Europa League; we’ve had the possibility of bringing in players who’ve helped us to achieve this goal, and I hope we can also qualify for the Champions League. Málaga’s intention has always been to be a competitive team, and to continue improving year after year. Playing a Champions League knock out game doesn’t disrupt our plans at all”.
Guaranteed celebration
“We’ll soon see what we’ll have reason to celebrate, but I think we should celebrate what we’ve already achieved. No-one could deny the fact that Málaga has had a terrific season. There are 38 tough matches in the League, and what the team is focusing on now is their motivation for the match against Atlético de Madrid, and performing as well as possible to earn the points”.
