Beyond the fact that playing at La Rosaleda has become an ordeal for Málaga, this Saturday's defeat against Ponferradina has opened the first cracks in the Blue and White ranks. Because it gives the feeling that it can mark a change, if not in the objectives (remember that there are two, the permanence and the salvation of the institution) yes in terms of dreams.
The playoff recedes and the pressure returns to repeat the hell of last season. Is the first crisis since Abdullah Al Thani was laid off by court order on February 21. For the first time Sergio Pellicer publicly showed dissatisfaction with the team's performance. We are left with some of his most significant phrases. “It's a good humility cure.” “It is a warning for sailors.” “So we are going to suffer.” “If we do not go to the games at 120 percent it is impossible.” “As long as I have the attitude, squeeze, delivery and aggressiveness are non-negotiable.” A touch to the full-fledged template so that nobody relaxes. But it is also that the bad match against Ponferradina left other analyzes at least to reflect.
Playing at La Rosaleda is a nightmare. The data is devastating. Of eleven games played, only two wins, five draws and four losses. Of the 33 possible points he has only added eleven. 22 points given away. It is one of the teams that most misses its fans. They are three months without winning at home. Malaga has also been six days without knowing the victory. Three points out of 18 possible.
Luis Muñoz, low due to accumulation of cautions. The Malaga player saw his fifth yellow card and will not be able to play.
Other warned. Yanis Rahmani and Matos are warned of suspension because they have four yellow cards.
The lesions. Benkhemassa, Matos and Julio Hicham do not finish recovering from their injuries. We cannot forget that Ale Benítez, Larrubia and Gonzalo, regular affiliates in the calls, are in quarantine for having been in contact with a positive from the affiliate's coaching staff, Atlético Malagueño.
The set ball. Unfortunately, every set piece action against is half a goal.
33 games without a penalty against. The famous VAR is not to blame for the poor attack game that this Malaga generates. If opportunities are not created, it is impossible that there are options for rivals to commit penalties.
Alexander Gonzalez. Just arrived and far from his best form, the Venezuelan has had to play as a left-back, not his position, due to Matos's injury and how easily Christ is usually damaged, who must be dosed.
The right side. The same thing happens to Ismael as to Christ and that is why Pellicer has had to improvise Josua Mejías, a central defender, in this delicate position that requires attention in defense and attack.
Goal foul. Juande is the top scorer with four targets. And he has not scored for seven games. Without a goal you cannot go through life.
You cannot sign. In this winter market, Málaga will not be able to sign because the League maintains the sanction of not exceeding 18 to sign for having exceeded the salary limit. Another severe disadvantage.