A continuous project focused on youth development
“We were very clear about the path we wanted to take. There was no doubt. When this project started last year, we knew the profile of players we wanted and aimed to maintain the structure. We had no hesitation that the direction had to remain the same, with only the necessary additions. Young players like Izan, Cordero, and Ochoa needed the peace of mind to grow. That was the direction, and in the day-to-day relationship between the club, the coach, and the sporting management, there has been no doubt about the way forward, regardless of the division we're in.”
Málaga CF wants to renew Antoñito Cordero
“Málaga has its parameters, and we will do everything possible to keep him here. The important thing is for them to understand that this is the place where they can develop. He is happy here, and his family is happy as well. In terms of football, we can offer him the first team, professional football, Málaga... to a 17 or 18-year-old player. I can convey that they are looking for the best in terms of football, and I know they also want to reflect the best numbers in a contract. We spoke with him to let him know that Málaga is the place for him, and that we trust him. That's the goal, and where we're going to focus our efforts. I trust that we will be able to achieve it.”
A structure that promotes growth
“I aspire to build something so that the player understands they are in the best place they can be. I want to have the players' commitment. I’ve experienced other places where players can continue to grow and see that understanding between what the club wants and what they are looking for.”
New challenge: consolidating the project
“Consolidate all of this. Keep the team in Second Division, at the very least, and continue solidifying the project. Many academy players have renewed, so we need to keep moving forward in that direction, ensuring that these players improve next year and become the replacements for those whose contracts end or who complete their cycle at the club. And to solidify the youth academy model. A key part of the sense of belonging to the club is seeing the parents and kids at the sports complex. The club is fully committed to this vision. This is Málaga’s project: to consolidate an academy-based model, focusing heavily on The Academy, and to keep growing the project. We also want to strengthen the structures of these departments, now that we are back in professional football, to have more thorough control and data management.”
The 25 first team players
“We want Izan, Cordero, and Ochoa to keep progressing. The issue of registrations is a matter of club management. We have two situations with Ramón and Haitam, who we believe, when fit, are very important, and we want to make space for them. A solution was sought, especially for Lobete, whose delicate injury made us react. This won’t affect anything in the winter transfer market. What we expect is that with the 25 players, plus the 3, and academy players for specific situations, we’ll be competitive.”
Injuries at the start of the season
“We need to analyse things, consider all options, and see what can be done. Lobete's situation is different, it was a traumatic incident. As for the rest, there's another model—the team has come into the season well, and the players have responded positively. We've had these small issues, but the training intensity is very high, and while it's not an excuse, it's happening to many teams. Yes, we need to be concerned, but this is something that happens in other teams too.”
Discretion: the key to successful operations
“No leaks. It should be the norm. The quieter the negotiations, the better. There have been players whose situations would have been complicated if they had been made public. Handling matters discreetly has been beneficial; I believe it's important, and we all need to understand that. The most crucial thing is to ensure that the information is accurate and to have empathy with the club.”
Pleased with the market
“We are satisfied with the market. We have brought in players who meet the profiles we were looking for and who provide us with assurances. We've made our decisions based on the players' willingness and our overall impressions. Continuing with last year's approach, maintaining the core of the team, will benefit our style of play. The profiles of the new players will contribute towards achieving our objectives.”