Málaga CF coach, Sergio Pellicer, spoke to the media at La Rosaleda on the eve of the #GranadaMálaga match. “We know the quality of the opponent, although in this league, there are no favourites,” he said.
Tomorrow, match day
“To keep moving forward so that the small details go in our favour. We're playing against an opponent that tries to dominate you; we need to try to be ourselves, like we did the other day, and bring energy in attack, because that's what will lead us to achieve something positive.”
Width and verticality
“We like to be wide to gain depth. And to be vertical. We're improving in that area. Tomorrow will be a battle, and we're two teams that want to control the ball; it's going to be a high-voltage match, and the pace of play will be faster. We have to stay more alert, like we did in the last match.”
Granada CF
“We know the quality of the rival; this is one of the toughest divisions in recent years, with recently relegated teams that are seen as favourites, although favourites don't really exist. We approach it with the utmost respect - no one is immune to having a bad day. There are situations that demand an extreme level of concentration, and if you don't stay on your feet, anything can happen.”
Strategy
“Set pieces are something all teams work on. In this division, there are better set-piece takers, and the speed is completely different. Huesca was the best team at set pieces, and we defended very well against them.”
Grateful to the rival
“I want to remember and thank the fans and the Granada club; what we experienced last year was wonderful. Being able to bring 5,000 supporters and that level of respect is something we will carry with us forever. Tomorrow, they have to fill the stadium, and our 500 or 1,000 fans will roar like they did last year. They treated us with admirable respect and humility. We are like brother clubs, and I hope we can meet again in the First Division.”
Competition on the wings
“Lobete's return? We’re going to take it day by day. Haitam is injured, and if Yanis isn't available, we would have a winger ready for tomorrow. Having everyone fit will raise the level of competitiveness within the whole group. Everyone will get their chance to play, and that will be the most beneficial thing for the team overall. (…) With the ‘overbooking’ in certain positions, other solutions will come about.”