The Malaguista coach analysed #CartagenaMálaga “as if it were two games, one before the expulsion and one after. From minute 22, things got difficult for us as it’s a long time to be a man down. We worked as a team, we stuck together, helped one another, knew how to suffer…I have to be proud of my players as it was tough with one player less on the pitch. Until the 22nd minute we were handling the game well. We hadn’t had a single move that concerned us. Then things changed. A team that plays football well like Cartagena against a team with a man down knows how to do things. Even so, we were able to go level. I prefer to focus on the positives.”
Pepe Mel also wanted to highlight the importance that the details are having in recent games. “Since I arrived at the club, we haven't had an ounce of luck. This is a game, and in all games, luck plays a part. I think the lads work very well, play good matches yet the mistakes are killing us. When we make the slightest mistake in defence, it kills us. We’re losing games by one goal,” he said.
Despite the midweek fixture on a Thursday, the fans returned to accompany the team away from home. The Madrid-born-coach wanted to thank them for their commitment and support. “We are in eternal debt to the Málaga fans. So many supporters came today, on a weekday, and will likely have to return tomorrow for work,” he added.
To conclude his press conference, Pepe stated: “There’s no time to lick our wounds.” Another league game is coming up on Sunday and the focus is now on this match. “We have to hold on to the fact that the team stood up to the rival. It has to be a turning point. We played a decent match in terms of what we could do,” he said.
