Features
WED 21.01.2015
Javi Gracia has enjoyed a flying start at the helm of Málaga CF, a new adventure in his career that will live long in the memory of the Andalusian club. With a young, new-look team, the Navarre-born coach has overseen a historic opening half of the season, equalling the albiazules’ best performance at the midway point of the Liga BBVA, their furthest run in the Copa del Rey and their record for consecutive wins.
"I want the team to win, because results are what will allow us to keep doing our job. But we have to win in a way that our supporters like, so that they identify with what they see and feel proud of the team. With that, I’d be happy," he said in July while on Málaga’s LFP World Challenge Tour in Australia. No sooner said than done.
By being defensively solid and mobile in possession, Málaga sealed a dream first half of the season, equalling their highest ever haul of 31 points after 19 games, the same total that the team achieved in the 2008-09 and 2012-13 seasons. No-one had posted such figures since the Chilean Manuel Pellegrini took his place in the club’s dugout and set about toppling every record thus far established.
Despite doubts trailing Gracia in his opening fixtures, the clash with FC Barcelona (0-0) proved a turning point for the team’s confidence. And, three matchdays later, Málaga set off on their best run of the season, putting together 5 consecutive victories: against Granada CF (2-1), Córdoba CF (1-2), Rayo Vallecano (4-0), Real Sociedad (0-1) and SD Eibar (2-1).
What’s more, Málaga have the chance to outdo their best performance in the Copa del Rey, having equalled it courtesy of qualification for the quarter-finals of the competition. Two matches against Athletic Club, who are not enjoying their finest period of form, separate them from writing the most sparkling of pages into the history books.
The experience of Weligton and Carlos Kameni, the consistency of Ignacio Camacho and the freshness of youth brought by Samuel García, Juanmi and Samu Castillejo are just some of the keys to a Málaga side that has plenty of potential to compete this season. However, if one man has made the difference, it has been Nordin Amrabat. The Moroccan forward offers the quality to undo any defence, and is one of the team’s highest-scoring attackers (4).
Meanwhile, long-serving captain Duda has played his part in the albiazules’ good form, becoming the club’s highest ever appearance-maker in competitive matches (292).
© LALIGA - 2015