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Press conference

Pellicer: “The DNA is to keep pushing, and La Rosaleda gives us points”

The Málaga CF coach analysed the draw against RC Deportivo at La Rosaleda. “We’re disappointed because we wanted to reach 33 points, but we knew how to respond,” he stated.

Draw analysis

“I think the draw is fair based on the merits of both teams and how the match unfolded. They had a lot of control in the first half, we struggled to find the free man in midfield, and they hurt us on transitions. Jokin received a yellow card early, but he knew how to defend against this type of player. When we were playing better, there was that loss of possession by Aaron, but we kept pushing. I liked Aaron’s reaction, they are young players, and it's part of their learning process. We had goal-scoring situations, and so did they. It's a matter of precision. The DNA is to keep pushing, La Rosaleda gives us points. Two years ago, we would never have drawn a game like this. This year, we might be better or worse, but the team keeps insisting. We weren’t afraid, and we need to value that. We’re disappointed because we wanted to reach 33 points. The positive side is that we knew how to respond against a strong team with players who, in the not-so-distant future, will be at the top level.”

Return to competition

“It's difficult for everyone. When you come back from such a long break, there’s always uncertainty, and not just because of physical issues, but also because of competing in a packed stadium, making efforts, and dealing with emotional stress. There have been red cards and injuries in the matches. This is the year with the longest breaks in the competitions. Despite the uncertainty we had, we kept pushing. They wasted time, and we could have turned it around in two minutes. A long week is ahead for us to reorganise and start building match intensity, which happens to most teams.”

Chupe’s first goal

“He did very well; it's important to time things correctly. Tomorrow, everyone will be at the Ciudad Deportiva, and he will play with his team. He came on in a complicated situation, and for a homegrown player to score is the most beautiful thing. Aaron is 17 years old, he made the mistake, but then he wanted the ball. That’s what helps a player improve. People see the immediate performance, now it's Chupe’s turn. I'm very happy, he’s another option for us, but with control. Doors open with performance, we won’t build walls, especially with young players, I’m a big believer in giving them opportunities. I’m very happy with the players' level, there have been moments when we haven’t been at our best, but we are eager to keep working and pushing. The result was fair, considering what the rival did as well.”

The team keeps generating

“We came from two games where we were very effective, and today we had several situations. Lobo, Dani Sánchez, and also the opponent. The important thing is that we added one more, Chupe’s goal. It excites the fans when a homegrown player comes on and scores. But we need to stay calm, we lacked situations to create more because we didn’t have the composure we had in previous matches.”