First week of the pre-season finished
“We called this press conference as we’ve completed the first week of work. We finished it well, without incident in regard to injuries. The players are all at a good weight, fit, understanding that this training is to ensure they are all at peak physical fitness, and recover their tactical and physical habits. We’re very pleased with the work of every player. We’re affronting this second week to increase the pace, workload etc, in every way”.
Message of reassurance
“We’re aware of the situation that exists. The concern of our fans is logical. You have to see things from a realistic perspective. Which is one of the reasons why I said to the communication management to call this press conference, to communicate with our fans, convey a message of reassurance and share information with them that they don’t have. We’re just as concerned as we are confident. We understand that they (the fans) are worried at the lack of information, but I am in constant contact with Caminero, with Joaquín Jofre and with Sheikh Al-Thani, and that gives me confidence. Obviously, there is an aspect of concern as we’ve now finished the first week, but when you start the second you have to start making moves, which I’ve said to the sports management and the owners. We understand that this is an important week to start to make some movements and for things to happen. We have that expectation which we want to share with our fans. We also thank them, as despite not having any information, they continue to purchase season tickets. We’re now nearly 15,000 and I’m sure we’ll increase that number to break records”.
Constant contact with the owners
“It gives us peace of mind and we’re going to have a competitive project, which gives me confidence. Communication with the owners is fluid, with Caminero and with Joaquín, we’re all in contact. The transfer market is complicated, things can’t be done when you want. You are in the hands of the interests of third parties. I’m aware and informed of all operations we have in hand. They are very interesting, both in terms of departures and arrivals, and are pending final details. I believe this week is the right one to start to see movements in that respect and take a step forward”.
At the helm of the team
“You hear comments that I’m angry and want to leave. That has not gone through our minds at all. This coaching team is characterised by being happy to face difficult situations, which we’ve shown over time. It doesn’t matter to us having the largest budget in the category. We work with the conviction and enthusiasm that you can be competitive in all circumstances. We have signed a contract with the Club and that is sacred, but there’s a more important contract that was signed at La Rosaleda with the players and our fans. We have a commitment to all those people. That’s something we’re not going to break and will do everything in our power to make this Málaga a competitive team”.
United group
“The atmosphere is fantastic, the players are positive, they have a predisposition to great work and an attitude of camaraderie that we love and try to promote. It’s important to generate a united, committed group. The players are aware that this situation is normal, that there are pre-seasons where you start with one team and end up with another. The aim is to face it naturally and enjoy every minute to the fullest. As a coaching team we don’t view the players by categories or whether they’re going to be here or not. The preparation is the number one objective and we’ll continue moving forward with those who are here”.
Pre-season preparation is important
“The days will go by as they always do. We’re not in a rush as the competition will arrive, and what we like most is to compete. Experiencing this with my players is one of the parts of my job I love the most”.
Starting as coach from the outset
“Starting a season from the off is the ideal, all coaches like to be part of the decision-making, planning, organising the squad etc. That’s very important”.