Gus Poyet believes Real Betis must improve their home record if they are to stand a chance of rising up the table.
Poyet’s first two home games have ended in draws, against Deportivo La Coruna and Granada respectively, with his third coming versus Malaga on Friday night.
“When I arrived I stated that Betis had not won as many games at home in previous years as we would have liked, so our priority is to improve that,” said the Uruguayan.
“The fans are going to help us win this game and that’s why I think the home record is so crucial – we must make it uncomfortable for visiting sides to play here.
“Malaga are a typical Juande [Ramos] side – tidy, compact, knowing where to press and where to attack.
“They have plenty of talent, especially in attack, so that can make things complicated so we must be clever.
“The other day I said I wanted to win the derby no matter how, but I want to win this game playing well.”
It is Betis’ third consecutive home game on a Friday night and their third in the space of a week against Andalusian rivals following on from their draw with Granada and defeat at Sevilla.
