Malaga vs Granada CF preview - Mel: Structure is all wrong

Posted Sunday, September 11, 2011 by PA

Real Betis coach Pepe Mel has criticised the new structure of the Primera Division programme which means his side will kick off against Real Mallorca at noon local time with temperatures in Seville expected to be close to 40 degrees Celsius.

Last season's Segunda Division champions opened their campaign with a 1-0 win at fellow top-flight new boys Granada two weeks ago and will look to continue their promising start when they welcome Michael Laudrup's Mallorca to the Estadio Benito Villamarin.

Mel will take his team into the game far from happy, though, with the fact they have to play in the heat of the day.

He said: "They organise games for midday so that Asia can watch Real Madrid or Barcelona but those who play at that time are the rest.

"Those that make the schedules should take these factors into account because the temperatures at this time of year are different in Seville to other places and on a matter of health the game this weekend is a risk.

"Unfortunately, during our time in the Segunda Division we had a lot of games at 12 o'clock but never in this type of temperature."

Mel is well aware of the visitors' strengths but will not be looking to use the conditions as an excuse for defeat.

"They can create goals at any time," he said.

"We must be wary. They have good players like [Emilio] Nsue, [Tomer] Hemed, [Alejandro] Alfaro and [Sergio] Tejera and are established in the Primera Division. They are tough opponents for our first home game of the season.

"[But] we have to win if we play on ice."

Laudrup's team also got off to a winning start a fortnight ago, enjoying a 1-0 home triumph over Espanyol.

Mallorca will not be able to count on the services of Erwin Ogunjimi until January, though, after FIFA refused to grant international clearance for the Nigerian's move from Genk.

The world governing body claim the documents required for the transfer were lodged with them 13 minutes after last Wednesday's deadline, so the player will remain in Belgium until the window reopens early next year.

It was not a happy transfer window for Laudrup, who had targeted Ogunjimi as a replacement for Pierre Webo following his release during the summer.

Mallorca also lost their player of the year last season, Jonathan de Guzman, to Villarreal last week and Laudrup has extra concerns ahead of this weekend with goalkeeper Dudu Aouate and Josep Luis Marti doubtful for the trip to Seville.