Malaga vs Granada CF preview - Malaga: We deserve better
Posted Friday, October 03, 2014 by PA
Malaga coach Javi Gracia has called on his side to win the Andalusian derby with Granada so they can reach a position in the table he believes their form warrants.
Gracia got off to a fine start as Malaga boss by beating Athletic Bilbao on the opening day of the season, but his side have not tasted victory since then and currently lie 13th in the Primera Division table.
They were beaten at Getafe in their last game, despite creating more chances and enjoying more possession, and the result has left the team nursing a sense of injustice about the way things have gone for them this season, with midfielder Sergi Darder insisting "the level of the team is greater than the points we have picked up".
His sentiments were echoed by his coach, who told a press conference: "We need a good result to give a sense of credibility and belief to what we are doing and to put us in a position closer to where we deserve to be."
Granada have two more points than Malaga, but go into the game still licking their wounds after losing 6-0 to Barcelona.
"It will be a very difficult game," said Gracia.
"They don't score many goals, but they also keep the scoreline tight, but we still want to produce a good performance and win. Granada are a very organised team, with two very physical strikers and with two well-positioned banks of four. We'll have to take the initiative and create chances, play at a fast pace, look lively and be mobile in attack."
Malaga will be without captain Weligton as the defender was sent off at Getafe for a second booking, while Granada welcome back forward Ruben Rochina from injury and Piti, who has shaken off a light muscle problem to make it into the squad.
Granada goalkeeper Roberto insisted his team would not be dwelling on last week's thrashing at Barcelona, the team's heaviest defeat in 39 years.
"We can't let it harm us, because 95 percent of teams are going to lose there," he said.
"And it's always better to lose one game by six goals than six games by one goal.
"We have to move on and think about the game with Malaga. We are in a good situation and this game should serve as a turning point for us."
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