In search of consistency
“We have something to improve. It’s true that the season has just begun, but we’re lacking consistency, consistency in our results and in bringing to every game what we showed the other day, that we’re capable of playing with determination and control. Especially away from home. Here, with our fans, with that 12th man pushing us, it’s different. That has been one of the keys to this run of results. We’re coming off four defeats, but three of them were away. That’s where we need to improve, in our game plan and in the emotional aspect.”
Ambition to maintain the level
“The other day there was good news and bad news. The good news is that we can compete against the best teams in the division. The bad news is that we have to do it every single day. Away from La Rosaleda, we need to rediscover ourselves in the small details.”
A tough rival
“It’s a difficult setting against a recently relegated team. We know how hard it is to adapt to the division. Their points don’t reflect their real performance. I expect a Leganés like the one that played against Las Palmas: a dominant team with very high-quality, decisive players. Results haven’t gone their way, but they’re a side with great intensity and quality, and they’ll be fighting for promotion spot.”
Updates on available players
“As for the squad: I’m getting Izan and Aarón back. Puga trained today. We’re losing Jokin, who’s making an effort, they’ll remove his cast next week so he can train again. Dotor has had a virus. Alfonso is back. We’re constantly losing and recovering players, as happens to everyone. We have a group of players who are difficult to get back, but there are also players and youth academy lads who are helping out, like Rafita. Montero is also returning.”
All for one
“You all know me. Sometimes it’s okay to make mistakes, but I’d rather do so from the heart, by being myself. After the match, I think the message should have been different, I should have highlighted the team’s generosity and how the fans were. I’ve spoken with Loren, José María Muñoz, and Kike Pérez. The takeaway is clear, the day we have to leave, may the team be in the First Division or close to it. Everyone has their own personality, but this is not the time to draw distinctions.”
“This club, which we all know has been through a lot, is now stable and financially sound, with a sporting project in place, but everything is ultimately defined by results. From our point of view, we must always look for what’s best for the team and for unity. I take away moments like Jokin’s hug with Rafita after the match, that’s what we need to be. I’d rather make mistakes from that place, from feeling it. In short, we all have to row in the same direction so that Málaga can be where it deserves to be.”
“I’ve experienced it at other clubs: when professional and personal matters get mixed up, that’s when mistakes are made. We’re human. In that sense, I am who I am, intense, very demanding with myself and with the players. I’m not a teddy bear. This year we want to take that extra step, and when you come from a run of defeats, it hurts much more. We want to take that step the fans deserve. The coach, in that regard, has to unite everyone, even through criticism. I want to focus on the football side. Loren, José María Muñoz, and Kike Pérez are all traveling to watch the match against Lega. There are differences of opinion, but we’re all in this together.”
Good work day to day
“The team trains very well every week. There are matters of concentration, we put a lot of emphasis on the small details. Silence during certain drills and focusing on individual aspects gives very positive feedback. Last week we were coming off a run I had never experienced before. It was a moment to be calmer, not tense, but still demanding. This week I see the same attitude. I always say that praise makes you relax, and we can’t afford that. The victory was important, but we have to stay sharp.”
From the very first action
“We have to maintain that level, that’s what we owe ourselves. From the very first action of the match, we must show what we want to do, not like we did against Huesca. After that, you can win or lose, but the focus and drive have to be there.”
