Malaga play from memory says Recio

Malaga midfielder Recio says boss Manuel Pellegrini has got his players playing from memory.

The 21-year-old was immediately pitched into the first team on the Chilean’s arrival at the club in November 2010, but since then has failed to establish a regular spot in the starting line-up.

In fact, Recio was almost on his way to Real Zaragoza during the summer before he was persuaded to remain with what was then a depleted squad, with owner Sheikh Abdullah Al-Thani having seemingly withdrawn his financial backing and some big-name players sold.

However, Recio’s situation at La Rosaleda has undergone a dramatic reversal and he is now a valued member of Pellegrini’s group.

“When the boss arrived he instilled in us his way of playing when we were having a bad time. He told us that although we hadn’t got the results we were not going to change the way we play.

“He said that this needed to be done because we would see the benefits of it in the future and we must carry on in that way.

“Now it seems that we are playing from memory because it is something he has put in our heads. We are very clear about the way we play.

“Last year it may have cost us [points] but now we are seeing the fruits of this labour and we hope to continue pleasing people,” Recio told a Press conference.

The Malaga-born youngster is hoping to continue his progress with Los Blanquiazules by having a more significant role to play in Pellegrini’s team.

“I’m happy at getting into the side and I’m working really hard so the boss can rely on me, so this season I hope to be even more motivated. Things are slowly getting better for me but last year is one I want to forget.

“It can happen to any player. One minute you are playing and then, for various reasons, you are not. The competition can be tough and it’s difficult to get into the team, but that’s what we are all trying to do.”

As a Malaga fan Recio is enjoying the good start to both La Liga and the Champions League made this season, although he still wants more.

“We are third and doing some incredible things in both competitions, but we have our feet on the ground. If we continue playing the way we are, with this commitment, then we can do something special.

“We are playing in the Champions League to compete and we have the squad to do it,” he declared.

Tags Pellegrini Recio
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