“We need to focus on Leganés without looking at the table”

The Málaga CF coach headed to the 'Juan Cortés' Press Room after the match against Levante UD. In his first review of the game, the coach said the following: “I had some good sensations from the team. If we put the standings to one side, this would be the way forward, our Málaga. But it’s not enough, we need the three points. We played against a great rival, we were better than them in the first half, with high pressure, commitment, the right attitude and order.”

“There’s no other choice but to keep fighting. This is the path we’re on. The players can go home knowing they gave everything. We were determined for victory. The disallowed goal would have changed our mindset, but we’ll continue trying our best,” he continued.

Another match with a man sent off. “In eight games, we’ve been left with 10 men in four of them. We weren’t punished for it today, however. The situation is what it is, but I’m going to remain with the fact in our last two games we fought against teams fighting for direct promotion,” he commented. “We have to stay out of any arbitration decision, as it would be looking for excuses. I didn’t see Juande’s expulsion, there were two actions that could be fouls. This is the game.”

Pellicer tells the players not to “look at the table” and focus on the “Leganés match. As long as we have a percentage chance, we have to keep fighting. If we compete like we did today and in Las Palmas, we’ll be close to fighting to the max. The number of matches and points at stake are reducing each time. We won’t lower our guard. The way forward is to work hard, continue competing, and for everyone to give their all. The team is showing commitment, delivery and order,” added the coach, who thanks the fans for their dedication: “We’re sorry for everything they are going through. It was a victory of enthusiasm and faith. We’re left with a disappointing draw, but with the commitment of the players”.

In regard to Álex Calvo, who made his La Rosaleda debut, he said that “he’s a lad with self-confidence, he’s daring and brave. He’ll come out when the circumstances of the match are right, not when the public requests it. He brings fresh air, and sometimes that enthusiasm is better than having experience.” Pellicer went on to say: “Until the referee signals full time, we’re in a situation where anything can happen.”