Complete statements by Richard Shaheen, general manager of Málaga CF
“Many thanks for attending this press conference. Happy New Year to everyone on behalf of the Club. I hope you enjoyed a few days of holiday with your families and friends. Thank you for arriving at 12:15 for the access control. I thank you for your patience and apologise for the inconvenience.
It’s a pleasure for me to hold my first press conference since my appointment as general manager of the Club two months ago, and during that time I have been focusing on centering the institution.
I would like to share the recent developments and the continual advances that are being undertaken within the Club.
First, I would like to share something I saw yesterday at the stadium, something that reminded me of what really defines Málaga CF.
Yesterday I was in the first team dressing room, in the heart of La Rosaleda, and I saw a wall featuring certain words that are the foundation of Málaga CF and its people: courage, heart, effort, commitment, intelligence, trust, humility, talent, strength, family, pride, overcoming, ambition, passion, victory, fight, balance, unity and enthusiasm.
These values and words come directly from the players, who will always be at the centre of everything that Málaga CF represents.
Málaga and Víctor Sánchez del Amo are in talks about the different sporting points of view, and the events not related to sport, in order to resolve the situation in a friendly way for all concerned.
Málaga CF condemns the violation of Víctor Sánchez del Amo’s privacy rights and will continue to support him so as those responsible are held to account. These circumstances have also tarnished the image of Málaga CF.
Málaga CF will always do what is best and most suitable for Málaga, and we will shortly be able to reach a solution that I will share with you once finalised.
There has been no interference with the first team training sessions, the players continue to prepare for the upcoming match under the direction of the Club’s coaching staff.
I would like to take this opportunity to update you on the progress made by the Club since I was appointed general manager.
First, Málaga CF wants to reassure the followers and fans that the financial situation is completely stable, and the necessary changes are still being made to get Málaga back to the First Division.
Since November, the Club has reduced its operating expenses by 939.138 euros and has increased income in the amount of 953.000 euros. In addition, a new management structure has been put in place to provide the necessary balance to the budget for the remainder of the current 19/20 season, as shown in the audited financial statements, which were shared by LaLiga last December.
LaLiga recognises that the plan is on the right track and we are confident in our upcoming plans and the changes that are underway. There is a series of consolidation measures that are being implemented every day.
I work closely with Manolo Gaspar, he is the sports director, in order to use this market to strengthen the team with strategic adjustments, an example of which is Sergio Buenacasa.
We are convinced that the signings will help the first team to end the season as high up the standings as possible.
With stable finances and the changes undertaken by the Club, we are certain the first team will achieve results to match the height of their potential.
Málaga CF would like to thank everyone for their unconditional support and patience whilst working hard to return the team back to where it truly belongs.”
Questions
Suspension of Víctor Sánchez del Amo
“The decision to suspend Víctor was in oto protect the Club and allow time to manage this matter from all aspects, including from a family perspective”.
Role of the President of Málaga CF, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Al-Thani
“I consult with Sheikh Al-Thani, then work with Department heads to develop decisions that he supports."
Leading the dressing room
“Until the situation with Víctor is resolved, there is no other coach, the current staff will direct the team. Whatever the end result, we have plans to take care of the situation”.
Viability plan
“The plan is a long-term plan that works closely with LaLiga. All the steps that are taken are approved. The objective of the plan, not just from a financial point of view, is to also generate a platform to have a stronger position for the summer market.
Predominantly, a review of the whole structure and contracts has been made, which is intended to review all agreements and contracts that could result in greater efficiency in regard to the usage of the Club’s revenue.
From a sporting perspective, we are working with Manolo not only on the winter market, but also the summer one, to make the most of both opportunities.
The changes we have made have provided sufficient financial stability for the Club which, of course, will continue to compete. This does not mean that there still won’t be further changes”.
Hard work and dedication
“We recognise that there are differences between the owner and the fans, but I believe that the aim is to work and show results. If the sporting results are positive, everything helps. However, in the end, which is why I’m holding this press conference and have had little exposure, what I want to do is work and show the plan with concrete actions. The results are going to be positive”.
Negotiation with Víctor Sánchez del Amo
“Negotiations with Víctor are underway and will be guided in the best interests of Víctor and the Club. All options remain open and the Club’s focus is to try to reach an amicable solution. That’s all we can tell you”.
Continuity of the project
“The legal action will not have any impact on the management of the Club, we are going to continue working in the same way without taking the lawsuit into account”.
Winter market
“The Club’s plan is to strengthen the team, not weaken it, to work towards reinforcing the squad and Málaga CF”.
Financial measures
“The figures quoted above are real situations. Now we are working to strengthen the team from the winter market and take advantage of the salary limit. It’s not just about having a good winter market, but about reaching the end of the season so we can be in a good position for the summer market.
Loans have been taken into consideration within this plan and I want to make it clear that the owner supports what is being done and the measures that are being taken. Other actions undertaken include the owners suspending their salaries, which helps to increase the budget considerably. It’s a great effort that is making this transition a success”.
The Sports City project
“The MCF Academy plan is at least a two-year plan. The idea is to have a strong academy, the amount mentioned is not the budget for The Academy, and the aim is to have a reputable academy and one that will benefit Málaga.
These funds are in the MCF Foundation and will be dedicated to the Sports City, to the football pitches. It’s something that is underway, and discussions are taking place with the construction company. They are going to dedicate themselves to everything that is in the pipeline. The aim is for pitches to be completed in March. The funds for this project are in the MCF Foundation and will only be utilised for this project. In March, there will be two 7-a-side pitches, the rest won’t be ready at that time”.
