Pellegrini: Saviola will add quality

Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini has hailed new signings Javier Saviola and Manuel Iturra as ‘adding quality to the squad’.

The 58-year-old Coach has announced his pleasure at confirmation of the South Americans’ arrivals at the club, and also believes Malaga will complete the signing of Roque Santa Cruz before the transfer window shuts.

 “Only time will tell if these are the right players or not, but bringing them in adds quality to our squad,” he told reporters today.

“Iturra and Saviola will train today, and all the indications are that Roque Santa Cruz will join us tomorrow. These three players will add a lot.

Santa Cruz is reported as at the Costa del Sol club this evening having a medical ahead of a loan deal.

“Both Javier Saviola and Roque Santa Cruz have proven their quality over the years with the amount of goals they've scored. Both have come here to score plenty of goals, and that's something we need in the squad.

“Manuel Iturra is going to contribute a lot in midfield. He has great ball recovery skills, and good technique.”

Pellegrini also expects a few more arrivals before the transfer window shuts.

“If the right players are available, we're hoping to add two more. The idea is to bring in another centre-back, and if the money's available, another midfielder.”

The former Real Madrid boss then went on to talk about the club's much-talked about financial issues.

“The club has made an effort to take control of the finances. There was a period earlier in the summer where we had to sell players.

“But now we are in the Champions League, that should stop. We do not want to sell anymore of our best players.”

Malaga have been drawn with Milan, Anderlecht and Zenit St Petersburg in the Champions League group stages.

Tags Iturra Pellegrini Santa Cruz Saviola
La Liga - Club News