Malaga defender Sergio Sanchez has warned his teammates of the threat posed by Valencia striker Helder Postiga at Mestalla on Saturday.
Postiga was signed in the summer to cover the loss of the prolific Roberto Soldado to Tottenham Hotspur, yet Sanchez is aware Los Che will prove tough opposition on home turf in the season’s opener.
“Soldado is a really important loss to Valencia but Postiga is sure to be motivated on his debut. Apart from that, collectively they are very difficult opponents to beat,” he told a Press conference.
Despite suffering an injury in pre-season, Sanchez insists he is keen to play against Miroslav’s Djukic’s men, although he admits it is a decision that could be taken out of his hands.
“I’m fine in having recovered from my injury and in training I feel great. Maybe I should wait another week but I hope I’m selected. However, I need to keep a cool head and it will be up the medical staff and [boss] Schuster if I play.”
Sanchez maintains that while there have been numerous changes to the playing staff at La Rosaleda over the summer, the atmosphere within the club is still as good as last term.
“The good vibes from last year are still important and we are on the same lines. A lot of youngsters have arrived, but whoever does not adapt well to a city like Malaga will not do so anywhere.
“The new players are becoming more and more happy, laughing more, enjoying themselves more…they want to prove themselves and give everything.
“In defence we’ve kept a lot of things from last year and to this we’ve added some of Schuster’s ideas.
“The work we’ve done has been very good, and that helps,” he added.
