Málaga CF coach Juanfran Funes has set out his team's ambition ahead of Sunday's match at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez. "We go with the idea of winning the match there," the manager stated in the preview of the clash against a Getafe side sitting 16th in La Liga with five points from six games.
The fixture, scheduled for 14:00, shapes up as a battle between two sides carrying accumulated fatigue, who will also contend with forecast high temperatures. Funes stressed the importance of focus in a tough setting. "It is very important that we focus on the match," he added, aware that energy could be decisive in the outcome. Málaga, who are bottom, have taken 2 points from their last 5 matches, with a run of 0 wins, 2 draws and 3 losses, and their aim to win faces a Getafe side also winless in their last five games.
The tactical challenge
Funes outlined the characteristics of a complex opponent. He noted that Getafe is an expert team at managing match tempo, leaves few spaces between the lines, and has the capacity to vary its approach. The Málaga boss highlighted their high press, alternating low block, reliance on long balls, and crossing orientation as defining traits. A team, also, that has shown competitiveness and plays in European competitions.
From a physical standpoint, Málaga has no injury absences in its squad, though some players finished the last match tired. The objective now is to recover them for Sunday. Fernando Calero is in the final stage of his recovery and is already training with the group, while players like Berrocal continue their physical adaptation and integration into the model after his debut in Vigo.
Resources and confidence
The coaching staff sees the double striker formation as a useful tactical resource for this phase of the season. They also trust in the energy contribution of players like Rafa Rodríguez. The team is coming off a match with a low shot volume, but a goal from open play has provided a point of confidence and release.
In midfield, Recio maintains consistent performance in the top flight, competing with a high level of maturity and naturalness. He and Einar have played many consecutive matches due to teammate absences, showing a commitment the manager holds up as an example, along with that of Murillo for his daily performance.
The upcoming international break will allow for three weeks of work without matches, a period in which the return of some players is expected. Meanwhile, the importance of the bench with five substitutions allowed will be key to managing fatigue.
Getafe, for their part, arrive after a 1-0 loss to Real Betis on September 17, a result that is part of a run of five matches without a win (0W-2D-3L). Their next fixture, precisely against Málaga, is a chance to cut that negative streak. The Azulones have six players currently injured, including important names like Borja Mayoral and their most recent goalscorer, Ramón Terrats. Fans can check the team's full schedule on our fixtures page.
Sunday's match at the Coliseum pits a Getafe side in need of points at home against a Málaga team that, despite being bottom, travels with the firm intention of causing an upset and taking the victory.
More detail at Sport.es
