Manuel Pellegrini has reflected that whilst all points count the same in the League, a home win would be important for Malaga.
The Anchovies host Athletic Bilbao this Week 24 without a win at La Rosaleda in all competitions since January 8’s Copa del Rey win over Eibar.
“Unfortunately, for various reasons, the last three League games at La Rosaleda we have been unable to win,” reflected Pellegrini in his pre-match Press conference today.
“We have taken points away from home, and it is true that at the end the points home and away mean the same, but we would like to put in a good performance here tomorrow and win again at home, and dedicate the three points to the crowd.
“It would also be a step back up the table where there is a very tight group of teams fighting for Europe.
“Porto? Tomorrow we will pick the team that we believe are best placed to play against Athletic Bilbao and once that is over we will see who is best placed to play against Porto.
“Emotionally we come into these games with a win, which is always positive. Physically there are problems with Weligton, Jesus Gamez, Sergio Sanchez, Duda…but in general terms, we are enjoying a good moment.”
Pellegrini comes up against Marcelo Bielsa on Saturday, a Coach who he reflected he has a lot of respect for.
“He is a great Coach, has done great work with Argentina and Chile, as he has in Spain and is a Coach is gives a very particular characteristic to his teams.
“Unfortunately and for reasons unbeknown to me, Athletic have not had a campaign expected of them, but they always go out to attack, they go out to find the result rather than speculate on it.
“Whether they are getting results or not, they will not be coming here to speculate defensively, because it would not be Marcelo Bielsa.
“I always wish him the best of luck, once this game has passed, and I hope that he will return to winning with the team.”