Malaga coach reveals how his side plans to approach daunting Real Madrid trip: ‘If we think of drawing, we’ll concede eight’

Malaga coach Juan Francisco Funes has urged his side to approach Sunday’s visit to Real Madrid with ambition, warning that going to Santiago Bernabéu merely hoping for a draw could end in a heavy defeat.

Funes knows the scale of the challenge facing Malaga against one of Spanish football’s most formidable sides, particularly on home soil. 

But the coach believes his team must embrace the occasion rather than allow the reputation of Real Madrid and the Bernabéu to dictate their mentality.

“If we go with the thought of drawing, we will probably concede eight goals,” Funes said ahead of the match, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

Malaga coach identifies the danger

Funes highlighted Real Madrid’s ability to hurt opponents in different ways, pointing to the danger of allowing them room to attack and exploit space behind the defensive line.

“Real Madrid is a very direct team, but they’ve also shown that if you give them space to play deep, you can have a lot of problems,” the Malaga coach explained.

Juan Francisco Funes is aware of the threat Real Madrid possess. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

He also pushed back against the idea that Real Madrid’s threat can be reduced simply to the quality of their attacking players.

“When you look at people’s comments, they tend to focus a lot on the players at the top, but defending well also makes all the difference. 

“They lose very few matches at the Bernabéu, and that tells you a lot about their potential on their home ground.”

The challenge, according to Funes, is that even the best-laid plans can be disrupted by the opposition. 

“You may be clear about what you have to do, but sometimes the opposition forces you to play one way or another. 

“The team has systems in place to function best in a specific way, but Madrid can show different sides to their game and can switch gears quickly thanks to their determination.”

A chance for Malaga to test themselves

Malaga are set to face Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabéu. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

For Funes and many members of his squad, the trip to the Santiago Bernabéu represents an unfamiliar experience, but the Malaga manager believes that it should be a source of motivation rather than pressure.

“These are matches against very strong squads that push you to a very high standard. They’re wonderful matches to play in,” he said, adding that they offer Malaga “the chance to visit iconic venues in Spanish football.”

Funes described the setting as a unique moment for his team and called on his players to enjoy the occasion while competing with the intensity required.

“It’s a very unusual setting – the Bernabéu – for us. It’s a first for many of us. We have to experience it with the excitement it deserves. 

“It’s a wonderful situation and these challenges should serve as a stimulus.”

Lastly, he also spoke positively about Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, a coach Funes said he has “followed for a long time” and one who “has been able to make a difference in various leagues.”