Funes says the break has helped Málaga ahead of their return

“The break has done us a lot of good; the team is desperate to play,” Funes said ahead of Málaga’s return to competition. The coach believes the weeks without a match gave the squad time to work and make adjustments. “Many players have built up minutes and we have made the most of training. It has helped us make adjustments and prepare well,” he explained.

Funes believes his side still need to improve, particularly in their pressing and their ability to move the ball towards the opposition penalty area more quickly. “We would like to win the ball back higher up and get to the opposition area faster. We’ll see what we can do to change that,” he said. He also left open the possibility of changing the system: a back three has already been practised and, in the coach’s words, is “a real possibility.”

Haitam is available again. Calero and Adam Aznou will also be in the squad and could make their Málaga debuts. Funes said Calero was in a good place and that Aznou could make his debut the following day.

Two weeks after their last match, Málaga return to La Rosaleda on Friday to face Espanyol, seeking their first win of the season. Funes praised Roberto Fernández’s form but warned that Espanyol have other threats beyond their forward.