Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini felt a point was no use to his side after the 1-1 draw with Real Mallorca at La Rosaleda.
The Chilean made six changes to his starting line-up from the team that beat Panathinaikos 2-0 in midweek, despite saying that La Liga was more important, but also believes his players will be ready to take on the Greeks in Tuesday’s return leg.
“A point is no use because I think a team needs to go out and win every game,” he declared at the post-match Press conference.
“They scored against us on the counter-attack but we put in a complete performance, although you have to have more punch up front to get the three points.
“We played with a lot of intensity against a side that was very strong at the back so we needed to create many chances. My team had a good attitude and was focused on this match.
“However, I don’t think it will have any bearing on Tuesday’s game and fitness-wise we have no problems.”
Pellegrini, who declined to reveal the contents of his conversation with club owner Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Thani this week, is convinced Jeremy Toulalan and Isco, who have both been linked with moves away in recent weeks, will remain with Los Blanquiazules.
“I think Isco and Toulalan will stay. I’m not sure if anyone else will leave but in principle I think the squad will remain together.”
