Málaga-Granada
“I’m expecting the Granada we saw in the last 20 minutes the other day against Mirandés. A team full of energy, vertical, brave, with young players but also with a lot of experience. The small details haven’t gone their way, and we’re coming off a good dynamic, but winning 1-0 or 0-1. There’s maximum balance. They have very young players, just like us, and we’re very focused on knowing how to compete; if we’re not at our limit, any team can make things difficult. This has only just started, hopefully we’ll keep going like this, but always on alert.”
Ambition and humility
“We have seven points, earned with sweat and tears. We can’t lose our balance. We’re going to fight to get this win, which would be a spectacular start. It’s very hard, we experienced it three seasons ago. Demands, ambition, and maximum humility. Nobody should get carried away. And we must transmit values of solidarity and build a sense of belonging, that has to remain. I’m approaching this match as if we had lost in Las Palmas.”
Squad
“In spite of those very tough blows (the injuries to Luismi and Pastor), we have very good depth, also with the addition of Recio, whom I consider part of the first team. Everyone is going to be important, both from the start and as solutions off the bench. With demands. And everyone must bring out their best version to benefit the team.”
Darko
“He’s coming off playing 30 matches in the First Division and should be a role model for the younger players. Yesterday he did a stress test and was one of the best. He’s an example for the boys who aspire to become footballers. I’m not usually in favour of bringing in First Division players, but in this case I sensed the hunger and excitement of a child. He brings that crucial experience for when tough times come.”
The best MCF possible
“The other day we started very well in Las Palmas. I want to see a Málaga like in much of the Eibar match, and that final stretch against Real Sociedad B, with energy and offensive balance. And with defensive solidarity, like the other day, because we’re going to have to suffer. We need to manage the different phases. And take steps forward, improve many situations, move the ball more, increase the tempo, and control the pace in attack.”
