“We’ve come to Málaga to give the best of ourselves”
Hervías, Fran Villalba and N’Diaye, the three latest Malaguista signings, were presented this Friday at the ‘Juan Cortés’ press room at La Rosaleda Stadium. The new signings were accompanied by the Club’s Sporting director, Manolo Gaspar.
The new Malaguista players held a press conference today and later stepped on to the pitch at La Rosaleda wearing the Blue and White jersey. Hervías said he was “delighted to be here after last season’s injury. The city, the stadium and the club” are the reasons why he decided on the Blue and White offer. “A big city, great club, great atmosphere in which to play and enjoy,” he added.
Regarding his position on the pitch and what Guede has asked him to contribute to the team, Pablo has stated that he can play “as a full-back or right winger, and also a playmaker. He told me to be myself and provide crosses and assists and for us to do our best,” he stated.
Last year he was part of the Real Valladolid squad, which was at last promoted to the First Division. As such, he talked about last season’s hard work: “There’s no formula, we’ve only just begun. We’ve played three matches, the Second Division is very long, there are a lot of matches to go. We have to work hard every day and win matches. We got our first result the other day. Last year, Valladolid started in 15th place and ended up second.”
In anticipation of his arrival, Fran Villalba stated that “it’s a responsibility” and that he wants to “improve on last year” and “help the team to be successful this year.”
Fran didn’t carry out pre-season training in Málaga and is still working hard to catch up with the group. Despite this, he has already made his debut and can’t wait to do his bit for the team. “I feel good, physically I still have a little bit left to catch up with my teammates. I have to get physically fit, I'm not 100% yet. These weeks are long and I’ve got time to help the team with everything the coach has asked me to do. Little by little I am feeling better. I hope I can help and make it difficult for the coach so that he has one more player and that he can count on me,” he stated.
Regarding his arrival, Villalba is clear about the reasons that made him opt for Malaga: “It’s a project to aspire to important things this season. What Manolo and the coach told me made me decide.”
Guede has already said what he expects from him. Fran talked about this at the press conference: “The coach wants me to be the daring player, to reach the area, provide assists and score goals. I can adapt to any position in which I can contribute. They told me that they wanted a midfielder. I am very grateful.”
He concluded his speech with ambition and conviction ahead of this Sunday's game at La Rosaleda: “On Sunday we are going to win for sure, we are going to change that streak at home on Sunday and we’ll not talk about it again.”
Alfred N’Diaye has returned to Málaga after three seasons. The French-Senegalese midfielder said that “Málaga has been like a family. I’ve received a warm welcome and am very happy to be here. I spoke with the family and for me the best thing is to return to Malaga. It's a good Club, I like the city and I like everything and that's why I chose to come here,” he said.
Given the comparison between his last season with the Blue and Whites and the current season, Alfred is optimistic: “Four years ago we had a good season, but we didn't manage to move up, it was a shame. This year we have a good squad, we have worked hard and we hope to do good things. If we do things well, we can fight to try to go up.”
After his signing was made official, N'Diaye trained with the rest of his teammates. The new Blue and White '18' said he did “the entire pre-season with the Saudi team. I’m in good shape. The coach knows my qualities, he wants me to play my game and help the team. I don't know what's going to happen on Sunday, but I'm fine physically.” he stated.
