Following a 30 minute warm-up, Málaga CF players underwent a different training session today, and took part in a practice match against Josep Clotet’s Atlético Malagueño. International players, Monreal, Isco, Camacho, Kameni and Fabrice were back in training today. Buonanotte and Santa Cruz also resumed normal training with the group, whilst Toulalan, Baptista, Isco, Monreal, Kameni and Sergio Sánchez exercised in the gym, the latter taking part in the practice match. Left back, Monreal is suffering with back pain, whilst Sergio Sánchez had to retire early from the match following problems with his right hamstring, for which he is awaiting further tests.
The team returns to training tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. in the Ciudad de Málaga Athletics Stadium.
Statements by Demichelis
“It’s good for the team to have a break, though it can get quite boring having the weekends free! We’ve had a lot of tough matches recently, but now we’re really looking forward to our next match, and know how hard we need to work in order to get good results.”
“We’ve got a crucial match coming up against Milan, and though we’re not at all pessimistic, a slip up in this match could make it very difficult for us to qualify. We obviously can’t forget about the League, as this is the most important competition all season, but we hope that Málaga can continue in the biggest competition in Europe, the Champions League. They’re both crucial tournaments for us, but we can’t lose focus in our League matches.”
“I’ve experienced both sides, and when you’re called up to play for your country, it’s always a proud moment. However, when you get the opportunity to have some time off, it gives you time to rest and recuperate. Several Málaga players were selected for FIFA, which shows that as a team, we’re performing very well on the pitch. It’s always nice to come back to the team after a week or ten days, and the players that have been on international duty, always return full of energy!”
“We’re very aware of what we’re doing and what we need to do to keep moving forward. It would be wrong to think that we’re through to the next round, just because we’ve won the first two Champions League matches, as our next home match is crucial. We’re so determined and full of motivation for our League matches, and have our own style of game play. We’re definitely performing a lot better than last year.”
“I wasn’t able to watch Argentina on the TV because of the time difference, though I did watch the match against Uruguay. I’m such a huge fan and a big supporter of the team, and it would be a dream come true if I was to be chosen to play for my country again.”
