Malaga coach Juanfran Funes has praised Deportivo Alaves ahead of the tenth LaLiga EA Sports matchday. Despite Quique Sánchez Flores's side being on a five-match winless run, Funes highlighted their competitive strength.
"Alaves are competing very well and have many arguments," said the Malaga manager in a press conference. He added that "it is no coincidence their position in the table," referring to the seventh place the Basque team holds with 11 points after nine games. This recognition comes at a time when Alaves need to rediscover winning ways after a poor run of results.
Situation for both teams
Alaves head into the match at Mendizorrotza following a 2-1 defeat at Celta Vigo last weekend. Their form over the last five games reads zero wins, one draw and four losses. Yet they maintain a comfortable mid-table position, 16 points behind leaders Barcelona. Their star forward, Lucas Boyé, is the team's top scorer with five goals in eight appearances.
In contrast, Malaga are the only Primera División side yet to win this season, with nine matches without a victory. They sit bottom of the table, making this fixture a key opportunity for both. The Malaga coach will have defender Murillo back in the squad.
Praise in the build-up
Funes was full of praise for the opposition. He underlined Alaves's defensive solidity and their attacking threat, particularly from wide crosses. He commended the work of Quique Sánchez Flores and the good form of players like Boyé. This public recognition is a nod to the good work being done in Vitoria, even if recent results don't reflect it.
The match will be played this Saturday at Mendizorrotza. For Alaves, it is an ideal chance to end their poor run and consolidate seventh place against the league's bottom side. The team is targeting three points to turn their recent form around before the upcoming international break.
More detail at mundodeportivo.com
