Malaga vs Getafe preview - Schuster calls for fan patience

Posted Saturday, December 14, 2013 by PA

Malaga coach Bernd Schuster has called on the club's fans to be patient and get behind the team in Saturday's home game against Getafe, but stressed that it was also up to the players to perform and get the supporters onside.

Fans inside La Rosaleda reacted angrily to Malaga throwing away a 3-0 lead to draw 3-3 with Osasuna last week in a Copa del Rey tie, booing the players and calling for Schuster to be sacked.

The collapse against Osasuna was the latest in a string of disappointing results for Malaga, who have suffered defeats at the hands of Athletic Bilbao, Celta Vigo and Granada in recent weeks, leaving them just two points above the Primera Division relegation zone.

"You have to be patient with this team, and we really need our fans," Schuster told reporters ahead of the Getafe game.

"We think that things will get better."

On the reception his team can expect from their fans, the German said: "All the players are professionals and it's not something that should make us nervous.

"If the fans criticise the coach, the players shouldn't become nervous. We have to win over our fans with our attitude. Malaga's support is like any other - the more we are attacking our opponents' area and taking shots, the more they get behind us.

"We have to learn that results shouldn't make us nervous. We have to remember what we are capable of."

Schuster was in charge of Getafe between 2005 and 2007, but insisted his past association with the club meant little now.

"It's not a special game," he said. "Of the players I coached, the only ones left are Alexis Ruano and Jaime Gavilan.

"I remember that period well and we had a phenomenal time. But the three points up for grabs tomorrow are extremely important and you have to leave things like this to one side."

Flavio Ferreira has been named in the squad for the first time this season after finally returning from a back injury which has prevented him from making his debut for Malaga since joining from Academica de Coimbra.

Getafe are in a much more secure position than their opponents, lying seventh in the standings and level on points with the final Europa League spot.

Alexis, who worked under Schuster at Getafe, is hoping his side can take advantage of Malaga's uncertainty.

"We've been playing very well away from home and we head to La Rosaleda with the aim of winning and playing well," he said. "They are at a critical stage and, if we play really well there, we can get something positive from the match."