Gracia excited by Mastour potential

Malaga boss Javi Gracia believes Hachim Mastour “has the makings of a great player” ahead of Saturday’s Andalucian derby against Real Betis.

The teenager finally completed his two-year loan from Milan in the week after FIFA granted him special dispensation to play in La Liga, and the Coach is expecting big things from his new recruit.

“We’ve known for over a week that we could use him [against Betis],” he said at a Press conference.

“There’s a need for players in his position due to the injuries we have.

“He needs time get up to speed, but he’s an immediate inclusion and one more possibility we have for this game.

“I don’t want to burden him with a responsibility which doesn’t belong to him, but he has the makings of a great player.

“Now he needs to experience La Liga and, if possible, earn minutes which will help him to become a great player.

“We’ve won our last two home games, so we must be very strong again. However, we’re generally finding it difficult to pick up points.

“Our match against Betis must translate into a good performance and win. We’ve not been at our best as there’s been too many adversities.

“I’m fine with the idea of looking forward rather than backwards. We spoke internally about the causes of the defeat in our last match in Gijon. We must improve and move forward.

“After the defeat at El Molinon, we had a moment of discouragement, but a lot remains up for grabs and I’m the first to flick the switch and look forward.

“We must be brave. I’m sure we won’t have a bad game. We’ll have a good game and we’ll win.”

Tags Hachim Mastour Javi Gracia
La Liga - Club News