The coach stated the team played “a first half to go into half-time in the lead. The biggest problem is the struggle to gain possession upfront, and Andorra, the team with the most possession in the Second Division, didn’t make it up there. We should have gone into the break winning and everything would have been different. By not taking advantage of the chances, you play the same game and fatigue sets in. Their two opportunities stemmed from our mistakes. We need to keep improving, there’s a long road ahead. The team does a great deal of things, but we have to prolong them,” Pepe said about the match.
In regard to the multiple absences due to injury, Pepe Mel confirmed that they “used the players we had available. Hervías had knee pain, Gallar fell during the week,” he added.
Following the results prior to his arrival, the team has kept a clean sheet for two straight games. Pepe Mel commented that it’s “very difficult to radically change the team in two weeks.” Analysing the team’s situation, the manager explained that “they’re in pre-season” as it’s only been three matches. “We’re working hard to adapt. We have a certain order, we’re keeping a clean sheet. We’re making a big effort but not getting the reward. The team made a significant effort to steal possession upfront and we had chances to score. If you don't do that, the match will be long one,” he added.
The team ends the matchday with six points and in the drop zone in the standings. However, Pepe is clear: “I’m not worried as I can see many good things. This Málaga will move forward. We’ll recover the injured players and turn this around. I ask the fans for their patience,” he said.
Lastly, the Malaguista coach talks about the midweek fixture on Wednesday against Leganés. “Tomorrow the players have to recover, we’ll see where we are and use the entire team. We have two games left and will need to use the players available. Hopefully we’ll get a win,” he continued.
