Pellicer: We won’t be alone in Linares
Sergio Pellicer, Málaga CF coach, held a press conference today at the ‘Juan Cortés’ press room at La Rosaleda to analyse the match against Linares Deportivo, corresponding to matchday 5 of Primera Federación Group 2: “We are going to need maximum attention and tension.”
2.000 Malaguistas in Linarejos
“Thank you to the fans, they’re incredible, we won’t be alone, it’ll be almost like we’re playing at home. The rival is strong in their stadium, they’re intense. That confidence is linked to two victories against two very important teams. It’s a very tough stadium, we are going to need maximum attention and tension. The match is going to say a lot because of what it entails and the dynamics of the two teams. We’re confident in giving our best version and improving with our work each day.”
A highly demanding match
“We’re going to find ourselves in a very demanding match due to the opponent's form, and their state of mind after the victories against Castilla and Córdoba. This is a 38-match marathon, although here in Málaga it is sometimes experienced as a 100-metre race. We have to stay calm, reinforce the things we are doing well, improve and move forward. The coaching team tries to convey the day-to-day process of training and improvement. We will be the same whether we win, lose or draw. There is a long way to go and there are many things to improve on and boost the things we’re doing. We’re optimistic about the effort being made. We are going to have to be attentive against a rival who will demand our best version.”
The whole squad is important
“It’s very important that there’s competitiveness. We manage a profile of daring and brave players, sometimes unprotecting spaces. We are only at kilometre 5 and they are all going to be important. The key is that everyone is ready and raring to go, and that they see that we need everyone beyond the context of the match.”
“We’re improving in the final third and increasing the speed of transition. Things to improve; the rivals catch us out with two transitions at 2-0. The critical moments in football are the set pieces and transitions, and we have to be strong here.”
Moderate optimism
“Optimism has to be moderate, the most important thing is the process. We are on matchday 5, it’s been a long time since we have won three games in a row, now is the challenge of winning the fourth. It's great that there’s enthusiasm because the fans need it, but we professionals have to be cautious. We need to continue to improve, giving confidence to the lads, the fan-team connection is important and hasn’t been seen for a long time.”
