Funes praises Alavés’ strengths ahead of Málaga’s away match

“Alavés are competing very well and have plenty of strengths,” says Juanfran Funes. The Málaga coach has underlined the quality of his next opponent, whom his side visit on Friday in the tenth round of LaLiga EA Sports. He described Alavés as aggressive in the area when attacking from wide crosses and said its seventh place in the table was no accident.

The coach also stressed Alavés’ ability to remain competitive even when it does not win. “What matters is the result. But Deportivo Alavés have competed very well when they have not won,” he said. In his view, although the Basque side have not secured the results they wanted in recent rounds, they have come close.

Funes also warned that, despite going five rounds without a win, the opponent remains a strong team and continues to pursue victories. He wants Málaga to approach the match with the same competitive spirit it shows at La Rosaleda.

That call comes as Málaga have gone without a win in their first nine rounds and remain the only team in Primera División yet to claim victory. Funes nevertheless sees signs that his side are adapting to the league. “As the competition progresses, we can feel the team adapting better. We are now able to repeat efforts that used to cost us more,” he said, adding that the players are increasingly adjusting to the pace of the Liga.

The coach admitted he would have liked the first win to come much earlier, but insisted that the team have not given up. He urged his players to focus on their own work and keep going rather than let frustration take hold.

He also defended David Larrubia and Carlos Ruiz “Chupete”, two important Málaga players. Funes believes the expectations placed on them, particularly last season, may have weighed on them. He wants them to remember that they are part of the team and are not solely responsible for carrying it. In his view, greater calm will help them show their level and meet expectations without being trapped by the pressure.