Málaga CF head coach Juanfran Funes has set a clear target for the team ahead of Sunday's match at the Coliseum. "We go with the idea of winning the match there," the manager stated in his pre-match press conference for the clash against Getafe, a game scheduled for 14:00 hours under expected high temperatures.

The Málaga CF side, sitting 20th in the La Liga table with just three points from six games, is looking to break a run of five matches without a win. Their last result was a 1-3 home defeat to Villarreal. Getafe, meanwhile, occupies 16th place, making this a key opportunity for both teams.

Conditions and preparation

Funes acknowledged that accumulated fatigue and the heat will be conditioning factors. Both teams arrive tired, so energy could be decisive. The coach reported no injury absences, though he admitted some players finished the last match very fatigued. "We have to put our energy into what we can control," he said, urging his squad to focus on the mental aspect of the game.

Getafe is described as an expert team that manages match times well. They leave few spaces between lines and can vary their approach, alternating between high pressing and a low block. Funes stressed the need to be concentrated to identify the rival's behaviour and move the ball into areas where space exists. The 1-1 draw at Celta Vigo should serve as a learning experience for this challenge.

Tactical adjustments and squad status

The manager will not renounce the team's identity but must account for Getafe's traits, a side that plays many long balls and is very good at crossing. He showed interest in possibly using a double striker formation, which would make finding spaces easier, though he warned it must be managed well due to the heat and the expectation of a 100-minute match.

Regarding players, Fernando Calero is in the final phase of his recovery and is now training with the group. Rafa Rodríguez is seen as a positive addition who will bring energy. Youngsters like Berrocal, who debuted in Vigo, and Larrubia, who has played inside for the reserve team, are adapting and accumulating training minutes to have a bigger role this season.

The international break following this match will come at a good time, offering three weeks to work on adaptations without games and allowing some players to return. On transfer movements, Funes noted that new signings will be discussed when they arrive, a matter handled by the sporting director.

In response to Getafe manager José Bordalás's complaints about refereeing, the Málaga CF coach preferred not to engage in controversy. He said they cannot control that aspect and must focus on what does depend on them. With five substitutions allowed, the importance of bench players is huge due to accumulated fatigue, so it will be key for players with more energy to appear.

The last match yielded few shots on target, near the league average, but for Funes the quality of the shot matters as much as the quantity. Adrian Nino's goal in Vigo, which came from open play, was a liberation and must change the team's determination, bringing confidence. Players like Recio, who has demonstrated a high level with maturity and naturality, and Einar, have played many consecutive games due to teammate injuries and shown consistency. The growth of these players, who are at an age to accumulate minutes and are committed, is a source of satisfaction for the club.

Background and full detail: Sport.es