Granada CF vs Malaga preview - Schuster sees similarities

Posted Friday, November 08, 2013 by PA

Malaga coach Bernd Schuster has drawn comparisons between his side and Friday's opponents Granada ahead of upcoming Andalusian derby.

Malaga are one point and one place behind Lucas Alcaraz's men in the Primera Division table, with both teams failing to find consistency in the opening 12 games of the season.

Malaga go into the game after beating Real Betis in a 3-2 thriller at La Rosaleda, with Samuel Garcia snatching a last-minute winner.

Granada also enjoyed a dramatic finish in their last outing, Piti hitting an injury-time free-kick to win all three points at Levante.

"We have seen that we aren't the only team that has had problems and is suffering, and we aren't the only team who can score in the last minute," said the German coach.

"We have to capitalise on our last two games (the other one was a 0-0 draw at Espanyol). We have learned how to cope under pressure and tomorrow's game will be similar, and we can't let our guard drop, because we know that Granada also have a lot to play for."

Schuster also warned of Granada's potential on the counter attack.

He added: "They have a lot of quick players and they are always looking to win the ball back and change the pace of the game. They have shown that when they put pressure on you, they are capable of causing you problems.

"They are a compact team, with quality players and a clear idea of how they want to play. But my team are giving off the right signals."

Schuster will be without his two main strikers, Roque Santa Cruz and Mounir El Hamdaoui, meaning Bobley Anderson is expected to start up front.

The positive news for Malaga is that Bartlomiej Pawlowski returns to the squad.

Granada will be without the suspended Allen Nyom, while Recio, on-loan at Granada from Malaga, is not allowed to play against his parent club.

Alcaraz's side have only won once at Los Carmenes this season and the coach called on the home fans to give the team a lift.

"We need a spark that will allow us to work with intensity and have continuity in our play," he told a press conference.

"It's going to be difficult, but we believe in our qualities and our players. We need to be 100 per cent concentrated, show character and put all our attention and energy into winning the game.

"We have to believe that things will go well for us, we are very keen to put on a show for our fans."