Within Málaga CF there are three women’s teams: Málaga CF Femenino, its reserve team and Málaga CF Femenino Cadete. The three teams make up a trio containing great quality players from the older girls competing in Liga Iberdrola to the youngest players, some of whom can feel proud to form an essential part of Spain women’s national under-16 team.
The ‘cadete’ team was formed six years ago. The players train twice a week focused on specific training aimed at football development so that in the near future they can reach the highest ranks of the sport.
Under the orders of Nati Gutiérrez, this team’s handicap is that every weekend they compete against male teams. Their perseverance and hard work have seen them score five points so far this season, and 11th place in Group 4 of the Cuarta Andaluza Cadete.
It’s certainly a challenge for the coach of this group of players, who train at the José Gallardo with sessions aimed at understanding football and compensating for the differences between male and female football.
Do you want to know how the Málaga Femenino Cadete team works? Nati Gutiérrez explains all about the Malaguista squad.
Statements by Nati Gutiérrez for MCFTV
Competing in a male category
“For the girls the matches are hugely demanding. Training has to be more extensive, they need to think more quickly, make decisions first and work more on the physical aspects. In regard to tactics, they need to be re-thought for every game, and also for me the psychological factor is very important. The physical one-on-one is tough, so we try to compensate with our gameplay and by maintaining possession”.
Training to play against women
“We study the rival, but not forgetting that our future is to compete against girls. As such, on a tactical level, we try to ensure they receive training on all phases of the game, the four phases”.
A compact team
“We have eight new additions, four of whom are second year ‘infantiles’ who compete in a male ‘cadete’ category, and then we have six who are first year ‘cadetes’. In regard to the second year we only have five, but the team is very compact and solid, and the new players are adapting very well”.
Learning
“Our objective is training, so that when the opportunities arise for these girls, they can make the most of them, they know what they’re doing and understand football at all times”.
References for the youngest players
“Having the Liga Iberdrola and Second Division there so close… Everything we can do from the bottom to the top teams with our girls is great. Continuing their entire sporting career with the same club would be a good sign for everyone”.