(Initial thoughts) “What I’ve seen so far is quite normal with a new coach; everyone is eager to please, and wants to show what they can do and fight for their place on the team. Another three players are arriving this evening to join the others. The squad isn’t complete yet, but we’ve got every position covered and we’ll continue to work as hard as we can to make sure everything’s perfect. Training will be greatly enhanced with the arrival of the three other players, in time for the start of the first matches next week. We’re right on track.”
(Trust) “Following numerous conversations, we’re very clear on the direction the team needs to go, and there’s a solid foundation to work on from last season. Everyone is still very excited and motivated following last year’s success, so it’s our job as the coaching team to ensure that this positivity remains intact. The team will continue to improve with additional players, and although some have left, it’s important to remain positive.”
(Pre-season in Bitburg) “The main aim was to train as hard as possible, out of the summer heat, and the players have certainly showed their strength. We looked at other locations for the pre-season, such as Austria and Switzerland, with a similar climate to here, as morning and afternoon training sessions are much more difficult in the heat in Málaga this time of year. So far it’s been great, the perfect place to focus on what we need to do. The training grounds and gym are ideal, which is why I really wanted to come here. Willy, a friend of mine, turned another team down so that we can carry out our pre-season here, for which I’m extremely grateful. We’ve got a great relationship and we’re all very pleased to be here.”
(The project) “Málaga’s main project has always been very clear, with some significant changes to be made compared to previous years. Focus will be on the younger players, with the aim of training them up to first team level and First Division Spanish football. We’re looking at combining the more experienced players with some of the younger ones in the first team, which is why this is a five-year project. We’ll obviously try our best, as this is only one part of the big plans, but we know where we are, what we need to do, and will take it step by step. This year will be tough, but different to previous years when a team is fighting for Champions League places or to reach the top five to qualify for Europe. We’ll be working as hard as possible, and there are no limits to what we can achieve.”
(Goal-scorers) “Despite the arrival of these three players later today, I can’t say that the team is complete yet. The position of striker is a difficult one, and there’s no room for error. We need someone that gets goals, so we’re taking our time.”
(Baptista) “I still don’t know if we can reach an agreement with Julio Baptista for him to stay. I’d prefer him to stay as I know what he’s capable of, he’s an important member of the team, a quality, very professional player.”
(Concept of football) “Knowing how I used to play, is how I want my team to play…I was at Madrid, one of the greats, but I was also with smaller teams like Xerez, Getafe and Levante. It’s about playing good football for the fans, knowing what to do in any situation and defending well on the pitch. The same importance needs to be placed on attack and defence in all matches. We’re always working on ball possession and making sure we dominate the rival in home and away games. I’ve always worked with this same mentality.”
(Start of the League season) “I’m pleased with our first three games. Each one is going to be difficult, but I prefer to face them early on in the season. This doesn’t mean to say we’ll win, but we’ll certainly fight for victory. I’d prefer to face Madrid or Barcelona in the first, rather than second match.”
(League dominated by two teams) “We’ve got the same thing in Germany with two dominant teams at the top of the League. Just one team dominates in Italy, there are two teams that tend to stay at the top of the English Premier League, and in Portugal and Spain as well. I can’t see the situation about to change any time soon, although Atlético de Madrid did come fairly close last season, and Valencia before then. The top teams in the League are very powerful, which happens in other countries too. Of course we’d like there to be less of a ‘sure thing’ at the top of the table, and more of a fight, however third to tenth position is always hard-fought each year for the Europa and Champions League. The relegation zone is much the same, with nothing definite until the last match of the season.”
(Copa del Rey) “The Copa del Rey is for everyone. Although Barça and Real Madrid reached the final stage, I think it’ll be a lot closer this year with such a busy calendar, and other teams will get more of a chance.”
(‘Malaguista’ fans) “The Blue and Whites’ fans were incredible last season, with the excitement of reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League, and being a minute away from the semis. UEFA competitions are always tough, but Málaga deserved to play in Europe this season having played so well in the League, but the fans have been great and remained positive. Everyone has been amazing, and this team really relies on the fans’ support, which we’ll have again this year.”
(Football in Qatar) “I was in Qatar for a couple of months, and know a bit about the people. They know exactly how to behave when they visit Europe. Of the few people that I know, from the Qatar Federation for example, I’ve found them to be very respectful and big football fans. I was surprised by how much they love the game, and play in their own homes every afternoon.”
(Objectives) “When the team is complete, then we’ll have a better idea of where we’re at. I’m excited about what I’ve seen so far and the possibilities for the future. The difference between fourth and fifth place in the League is minimal, and we’ve seen some surprises with Real Sociedad, Rayo Vallecano and Betis getting to the top, without star players. This is how tough the League can be, and we’ll be working as hard as possible to get as far as we can.”