Self-criticism after the defeat
“We apologise because we weren’t sharp, we weren’t good, especially in those first 20 minutes. They took the lead with very little, then two red cards, and five minutes later, Izan’s. Playing 10 against nine, everything became chaotic, attacking into very little space. We tried, but we weren’t accurate, and I am the first to take responsibility. We need to understand the frustration, the will of the players is undeniable. We have to analyse those first 20 minutes, prepare for the remaining 33 points. We can’t be apocalyptic, but we need to be aware that we weren’t good, and I take full responsibility to give the maximum support to the players.”
La Rosaleda, key to reaching the objective
“It’s not indignation, it’s a situation where we were penalised with two goals, one in a transition down the right side. We can be criticised for many things, but not for lack of will or attitude… The goal threw us off a lot, we came with a lot of excitement, and we have to acknowledge we weren’t accurate. But it's not about indignation. The players gave their all, whether we were better or worse, it was with the best intention. It’s not about making excuses, but about football concepts, getting the approach right, and the players making the correct decisions. I understand everything because we are such a big club with high expectations, but we need to stay calm and not be apocalyptic. We were very poor today, we apologise, and on Monday, we will prepare for the Ferrol match. We can't lose the magic of La Rosaleda, which is what helped us go up and get 30 points in the first half of the season. Let them criticise us, there are 33 points left, but let the magic of La Rosaleda continue, and that is the key. We are the ones who need to keep that going, and we are the first responsible for ensuring the magic remains.”
Albacete’s superiority
“The other day, the team didn’t collapse, but today it did. From the start, the opponent was superior, especially in the first 20 minutes, very superior. We need to analyse and find a game plan, understand why these things happened. These are two actions we knew we had to control, but they caught us on the transition. In the next play, a mistake in possession and they caught us again in transition. We have to keep working with the utmost humility, respect, and care.”
Game plan
“I am the first one responsible. The idea was to press from the first moment. We started with natural-footed wingers to be more dynamic. It didn't work out, because in the first play, they caught us on a transition. I understand the frustration, I didn’t manage to transmit the right intensity, it feels like we have to be hit twice. I need to make them believe, we didn’t come out with the right intensity. I am the main one responsible because we didn’t start with the necessary concentration, and I didn’t manage to convey that. The players have enormous will and work ethic. We weren’t sharp, there are 33 points left, and defeats will come. This is not the way to lose, we must not lose our identity, and today we lost part of it."
Current standings
“I’m focused, I’ve spoken with the players after the match and given them all my support. I take full responsibility and now we need to think about winning against Ferrol. There are 33 points left, and it’s not the time to suffer. I always try to maintain balance, but I am deeply hurt. I can’t express how angry I am here, because we represent a lot of people. We understand their frustration, and now we have to swallow the bitter pill, learn, and work to improve.”
500 Malaguistas in attendance
“I can imagine their frustration, I understand it, and I thank them because they’re always there. I feel for them, we’ve had a bad day, and I understand whatever is being said because we manage emotions and passions. There are people who work hard, earn very little, and spend their money to come see Málaga. It’s a collective issue, something so big has been built, and now it feels like everything is negative. I apologize to them and want to remind them that there are 11 games left, and we can be our own worst enemy. I thank them and understand their frustration, but we must remember where we came from, and this group of players has always risen up.”
Team situation
“We're not scared, but we are concerned and focused on turning things around. Before the defeat against Cádiz, we had two wins and two draws. The way we lose matters a lot. I understand the frustration, I’m sad and take full responsibility, but we need to change the dynamics as quickly as possible in front of our fans. That’s why the magic of La Rosaleda is so important.”
Three expulsions in the match
“The game went crazy after their two consecutive red cards, and then five minutes later, Izan’s red card, and the match completely changed. It became chaotic, and I have no excuses. Those were actions that led to the red cards. Hopefully, Izan will learn from this, being young doesn’t exempt you from responsibility
Improve
“I hope the youth doesn’t negatively impact them, I see them as strong. Last year, even without doing anything, we were treated like stars, and now they want to kill us, and the ones who were stars aren’t seen as much anymore. It’s football, it’s not all wonderful, you have to adapt to the frustrations. Teams need to overcome obstacles, like the awful game we played today. This isn’t about youth, it’s about improvement. I’m not worried, because there’s a strong mentality in the group to take that step forward.”
Union
“We tried in every way possible. It was a situation where we were one man up, which should have been an advantage, but everything got a bit chaotic. We had chances with Roko, Kevin, and plenty of crosses. The first goal led to the second one. They will bounce back because I see them working hard. I want to apologise to the fans, and we will get through this together.”