Paco Herrera has lamented opening the season with Celta Vigo against troubled Malaga, saying that it would have been better to face them in Week 2.
The Galicians open their return campaign in Primera at home to the financially unstable Malaga this Saturday night.
However, despite the visitors’ financial uncertainty following their President’s decision to suddenly sell the club, Celta Coach Herrera believes that more of an advantage would have been held in playing the team next weekend.
That is because in midweek the Costa del Sol outfit face Panathinaikos in a crucial Champions League Play-off round first leg clash.
“I do not believe that they will be affected by that European game this weekend,” suggested the 58-year-old at today’s Press conference.
“I would rather play against Malaga next week because we must recognise that international matches like those in the Champions League are often distracting unless you have a big squad and, right now, they do not.”
Even in a weakened position, Herrera moved to praise Malaga’s strengths going into the weekend.
“They are very strong with the ball, they have a lot of possession and a lot of people who run in behind.
“They have four or five men up front who force you make mistakes and that is very good football.
“After Barcelona, Malaga is the team that has most possession and they like to play together, so our problem will be in trying to get the ball.”
However, the tactician has a dressing room he feels should not be troubled by this style of play.
“The team should not fear anyone, they should be able to fight with almost every team in the Primera. My dream is that the team is ambitious to go out and win every Sunday, so there is no excuse to not fight for victory, with respect to Malaga.
“Everyone knows where Celta are, so it makes sense to play without fear. We cannot stop ourselves, we must approach the game with the mentality to go out and win, it is another thing if they put us on the back foot and have more ball possession, because they are better than us.”
