Malaga vs Real Betis preview - Malaga remaining focused

Posted Saturday, September 29, 2012 by PA

Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini insists his players will not be distracted by their latest Champions League adventure against Anderlecht next midweek when they take on Andalusian rivals Real Betis at La Rosaleda.

Malaga have started the Primera Division season in fine fashion with three wins and two draws propelling them into the top four and Pellegrini is intent on maintaining their current momentum.

He told the club's website: "What we have spoken about to the squad is concentrating on the appropriate championship, if we want to have a good performance against Anderlecht, the performance against Betis ought to be good.

"We are concentrated on the league and we have to maintain our position in the Champions League places.

"At the end of the season the table will reflect how we played tomorrow as one or two points defines the standings so we have to make sure of these points against Betis at home.

"I haven't spoken at all about the game on Wednesday and neither does anyone else have their mind on that game."

Pellegrini will not be able to field France international Jeremy Toulalan for a few weeks as he pulled a hamstring in last weekend's 0-0 draw at Athletic Bilbao so Manuel Iturra could make his first start in midfield.

Betis, meanwhile, felt they were very harshly treated in Wednesday's 4-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid as they ended with nine men and conceded a penalty to the Europa League holders, however manager Pepe Mel is now focused on putting things right this weekend.

He told the club's website: "Last year we went there in our worst moment and managed to win in a strange game that cost us a lot.

"This year we are going in a better situation, we are sixth in the table against a team on a high and with great players. The only thing is that we are less rested, but this excuse stays here and we have the same options as them to win.

"Malaga have been a well-recognised team for the past couple of years and they are playing very well. They have a fantastic player in Isco, but also important players like (Nacho) Camacho who give a lot in the midfield. Their central defenders like (Martin) Demichelis and Weligton are also strong."

Damien Perquis and Joel Campbell were the two players dismissed in midweek so they are suspended, while Paulao is also out injured so Chechu Dorado is expected to be recalled to the centre of defence.