Malaga vs Osasuna preview - Pellegrini wants Malaga to up the ante

Posted Sunday, December 11, 2011 by PA

Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini has warned his players they will have to play with great intensity to beat Osasuna on Sunday.

Malaga threw three points away last weekend by conceding two goals in the final few minutes away to Real Sociedad and now face an Osasuna side that surprisingly sit just two points below them in the table.

Pellegrini told the club's website: "We have to play with the maximum intensity to equal the opponents, both in the defensive and offensive side of the game for 90 minutes.

"If we can maintain that intensity and concentration we can take the three points against Osasuna."

Despite the defeat to Sociedad, Pellegrini has been happy with his side's progress this season.

"Of the 14 games we have played, in 11 or 12 we have been in the European places," the Chilean added.

"The expectations from outside the club are logical and we know the squad has the capability to do something special.

"I don't plan short-term objectives but there are special games like the one against Osasuna. If we win we can cut the gap to those above us and create more space to those below us."

Jesus Gamez and Joaquin return to the squad after injury, but Ruud van Nistelrooy has been left out despite being fit.

Osasuna boss Jose Luis Mendilibar believes Malaga are on track after their heavy investment in the summer, but does not think his side will be overawed.

"They are very ambitious and I think they are finding where they want to be," he said.

"They are in the position they were expected to be and their idea is not to fall from there. For us it is a good game and we will face it in a positive fashion.

"I think we will have options to achieve something there. We have to be careful and believe that things will go well."

However, Mendilibar does have a number of absentees for the trip to La Rosaleda.

Javad Nekounam and Damia Abella are suspended while Ruben Gonzales and Marc Bertran are out injured.

Raul Garcia has travelled with the squad but remains a doubt with the injury that forced him to be substituted in last weekend's win over Real Betis.