Speaking about saving ourselves from relegation, Pepe Mel admitted in this morning’s press conference in Abegondo, that this Saturday’s match against Málaga (1 pm, Bein Sports), “may be definitive, but only if we win. However, if we lose, we could still be in the same situation”.

He believes that “having a 6-point advantage means that the rival your 6 points clear from has to make 7 more points than you. It’s a significant advantage”.

Therefore Mel thinks that beating Málaga will not save the team mathematically, but a win would give them a sense of liberation: “One of the problems this group of players has is the pressure to leave this situation behind as soon as possible. And that sometimes results in their performance not being what’s expected”.

Asked about what concerns he has about Málaga, the Deportivista coach was to the point: “I’m worried about Dépor; No matter the rival. I’m concerned about starting focused, I’m concerned about starting with intensity, and I’m concerned about them believing everything the coach tells them, the way to be the best. I’m concerned about all of that because that’s what makes us win”.

Regarding the rival, he admitted “it’s a good rival of first division that is doing things well, and has had two victories. I’m not looking beyond that, knowing that Ricca is suspended, Juanpi is injured, but has terrible arguments with Sandro, with Santos, with Camacho, with Fornals, with Jony, Chory Castro, Rosales... We all know it off by heart”.