First match of the season at La Rosaleda
“After what we experienced last year, we return with great enthusiasm to reconnect with our fans. And what better time than during Málaga's big week. We are firmly focused on giving our best for the great challenge we have this season. We are very excited to be able to deliver our first victory in front of our fans.”
Key factors to tackling LaLiga Hypermotion
“I hope we deliver a very strong performance in this competition, knowing that it’s possibly the toughest Second Division in many years with great rivals. And that we live up to the expectations of our fans. I’m very happy with the work the lads are putting in, and each match will present a different challenge. Last year, it was clear from the first matchday that we had to be at the top, and we were the team, except for Dépor, that lost the fewest games. This should take some pressure off the players, but above all, we need to keep sending a positive message. What we have achieved together, with unity and in extreme situations, has created something that hasn't been seen within Malaguismo for years, and we need to keep that momentum going. We’re facing a tough year ahead. We have to maintain balance, keep transmitting energy and courage, and give our all. The key is to maintain a collective spirit and ensure that people feel connected, just as they did last season.”
Recovery of players
“This week, Luismi, Haitam, and Ramón have all done more specific training. We’ll wait until tomorrow to see how they’re doing. It’s a bit of a strange situation. Except for Moussa, I have all the players training, so I’ll have to leave some out. We also need to see how Sergio Castel is doing. The most important thing is going to be the team as a whole, that will be the key. I might be unfair; the other day there were players who didn’t compete but deserve to play. Everyone needs to be ready.”
Complete team
“I am focused on the day-to-day training, getting the best performance, and continuing to improve. The other day, we saw very positive things and others that we need to keep working on. At the beginning of the season, we are still in the process of building, but we have a solid foundation and we know each other well. This might be the first time I can work more calmly since I’ve been here.”
CD Mirandés
“At the beginning of the season, the only favourites are those coming down from the First Division. The team is still in the construction phase, but the other day, they showed what they want to do. They were very solid defensively, more players are coming in, and they have a clear playing style. They use a five-man defence and transition very quickly. They’re signing young and dynamic players. I approach this match as if we were facing Cádiz, Granada, or Almería. This league is greatly influenced by how things start, with unexpected situations happening. The real favourites are only determined over the 90 minutes.”
Improvement in attack
“In the attacking phase, we’re more liberated and know each other better. We’ve changed some mechanisms over the preseason, but what’s crucial is the players' conviction. Last year, the pressure to win games sometimes made us freeze. We were very solid defensively, and now we need to focus on developing that aspect. We have players who can take a step forward in this category with their confidence and flair. The most important thing is the behaviour during each match. The other day, we had the game under control, and then a set-piece situation could have changed things, but the team responded well. I saw a positive version of the team because I observed their confidence, and we need to continue in that direction. The team is going to be a bit more dynamic now; we need to focus on being more effective in both penalty areas. The other day, we lacked a bit of effectiveness in our own area.”
Alex Calvo
“I have a special affection for him and I will wish him all the best after our game on Saturday. The young man has grown both as a footballer and as a person here, and I will wish him good luck after our match.”