“We’ve got 21 games ahead of us and we have to perform well”
Pepe Mel held a press conference after the team was knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Nàstic. “Our priority is to ensure Málaga remain in the Second Division,” he said.
“When you’re trailing on the scoreboard, the team in the lead wants to hold on to their result and everything speeds up. We should have had more punch, the pace was good, but upfront we should have done more damage,” the coach initially stated. “We also have good news, the fact that Bilal and Gallar were in action, playing for around 60 minutes. Now the focus is on the upcoming League match against Tenerife,” he added.
Mel doesn’t view the Cup elimination as “a step back. Not at all. We’re very clear about our priority, which is to ensure Málaga remain in the Second Division. We’ve got 21 games ahead of us and we have to perform well,” he commented.
In regard to the starting line-up: “If you look at it from my position, if the players who don't usually play don't play today, when will they? I think it had to be like that today. If not, it’s clear that the coach didn't give them any option,” said Mel, who added: “Genaro and Jozabed haven't played recently and now they are in the starting-11. Football is that changeable.”
Finally, he describes Nàstic: “They are a team and a coach with a background in the Second Division. I’m certain Nàstic will prioritise the League, but they’ll face a First Division team in the Cup and that will bring good things.”
