It was all square for Málaga CF against Real Sporting de Gijón on matchday 15 of LaLiga SmartBank. Following the duel, the Blue and White manager held a press conference in the ‘Juan Cortés’ press room at La Rosaleda. “We played a good second half. The point helps us see the reality of things a little better. As has happened before, the team deserved more,” he started out by saying.
The team managed to balance play during a great second half: “We knew Sporting's potential, that's where their goal stemmed from. Bustinza was chosen for his strength and aerial game, and he delivered. In the second half the tone of the match altered. The players do well, they deliver. Physically we’re fine, we ended up putting Sporting in their area and I’m hopeful that the team will get out of this situation. We must improve in the areas, that’s what football’s all about,” he said.
Winning helps you to win. This phrase is a reality in football, as confirmed by the coach: “You get out of this situation by winning, starting on Sunday. A team has to get used to winning and obtaining positive results. We have the Cup coming up and then La Romareda, with a Zaragoza that will debut a new coach and who are a direct rival,” he said.
The result is determined in the areas, as analysed by the coach: “We have to be better in the rival area. The second line players have to arrive more. We have a problem in ours, that we always concede a goal. Therefore, in the other we need to get two, yet it’s not happening. The coaching team is determined to ensure a clean sheet, so you can be sure of scoring points. Then we’ll fix the other side,” he commented.
Mel is clear that he’s not going to allow this situation to become ingrained: “The coach is the one responsible and this team has to react now. We’re in November, there are 84 points left and we have to acquire 40 and many more. Zaragoza and Ponferradina are two finals for Málaga. I’m not going to let this fall, yet I’ve never been in a situation like this. The details always fall on the side of the opponent, and we have to change that. We know this is a game and luck plays a part, but you also have to look for luck,” the coach stated.
The team has given better sensations in recent matches: “In Cartagena we stood up to the rival and played as a team. Today the reaction goes further, it was physical and tactical. We have 15 days to find out who will be Zaragoza's coach and prepare for that crucial match,” he added.
The situation isn’t easy, the coach is striving to find a solution with the group: “Málaga are at the bottom of the rankings and it’s all our fault. We’re not where we want to be as we have to do much much more. We have 15 days to plan a serious match and take a step forward as a team,” he said.
The Cup competition is taking place next week and Málaga are ready to compete: “It's on the calendar, we're a professional Spanish team and we remain with that. The important thing is Zaragoza, but in between there is a match that has to be played. We must look at the Cup as something that can help us. We have to head to Ibiza focused on playing a good game and getting through to the next round,” he affirmed.
