Vitorino Antunes has affirmed that Malaga’s only focus right now is their weekend trip to Real Valladolid, and not Porto.
The Anchovies host Porto next week in the Champions League Last 16 second leg, chasing a 1-0 deficit for a place in the quarter-finals.
However, for Antunes, everyone in the dressing room is only looking at picking up three points in Week 27’s trip to the Jose Zorilla this Saturday evening.
“Our focus is just on the match against Real Valladolid, ensuring we return to winning ways in the League to gain as many points as possible and maintain our place in the table,” reflected the 25-year-old to reporters after training today.
“After Saturday we can concentrate on Porto. Valladolid are a difficult team to beat, and we need to return to winning form in away matches.
“Coming home with a victory from this match would give us a real boost for the rest of the season. Valladolid are a strong, balanced team with quality players like Manucho who can make a real difference.
“It’ll be a tough game.”
The left-sided full-back has been included in Paulo Bento’s provisional Portugal squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Israel and Azerbaijan.
“It’s very important for me to be included in the initial team call-up. The definitive team will be announced in just over a week, but for now I’m focused on Malaga, and if I get called up to play for my country then I’ll be over the moon.
“Things are going well at the moment at Malaga and I really feel part of the team. My teammates and everyone here helped me adapt as quickly as possible, so I could take part in the League and Champions League.
“The guys on the team, the Coach and all the fans have really supported me, and the fact that I’m in good physical condition all helped me to fit in and feel part of the team quickly.”
