Julio Baptista says that Manuel Pellegrini is responsible for Malaga’s recent success and has updated on his current injury prognosis.
The striker, who has yet to play this season as he continues recovery from surgery on his Achilles tendon, spoke to Brazilian outlet Lancenet about this term’s strong start in both the League and Europe.
“Pellegrini’s been working for two years and we have been lucky to have also had some great professionals here. The Coach is doing a great job, he has been essential to the success in the field,” enthused the forward this week.
“When we go through a moment of difficulty, it always ends up helping us, as something positive. The team is united and it happened this summer.
“We did not know what was going to happen. We managed to settle our debts, we sold two players, but we have continued to work well. We went through a period of instability, but I never thought about leaving. I just want to recover and start playing again.”
Baptista gave an update on his injury, which has kept him out of action for longer than expected.
“I’m already training again. The doctor said it would be four full months before recovery. I am in the third period of recovery and have got a month-and-a-half ahead, at least.”
The striker then turned his attention to Wednesday’s Champions League meeting with Milan and is expecting three points.
“Milan do not have the same names as before, but they will always be Milan. What matters to us, only, is to win at home. We are not so concerned with Milan, but at home we ought to be doing well.
“We expected to do well in the competition, but perhaps not to win both the first two games 3-0. The wins were one thing, but the way in which they came, were surprises. And positive surprises.
“It is proof that the work being done here is very good.”
