Villarreal vs Malaga preview - Juanmi looking up

Posted Thursday, November 28, 2013 by PA

Malaga may be languishing in the lower reaches of the Primera Division but striker Juanmi is confident they will not be there for long.

After the relative heights scaled under Manuel Pellegrini over recent years, Los Boquerones have struggled this time around and head to Villarreal on Friday a point above the drop zone.

They are one of a number of teams in such an uncomfortable position but despite safety in numbers, they need to start winning soon.

Juanmi scored in a 2-1 loss to Athletic Bilbao on Monday and is hoping to make an even more positive impact at El Madrigal.

"It is always good to score but it didn't help us in the end," he told his club's official website.

"We were in control in that game but they took the reigns in the second half.

"We are now concentrating on victory against Villarreal and turning this game around. We need to be more together than ever before and all pull together in the same direction.

"We have all spoken about the situation and are determined to win on Friday."

The 20-year-old Spain youth international also wants the club's fans to remain patient.

"All the players are feeling positive and we have faith that we can move forward and get out of this hole," he said.

"We know the fans aren't too happy but it is crucial they, the coach and the team are all united in our goal."

Malaga will run into a Villarreal side still in the top four and maintaining their form after their promotion.

A 3-0 win at Levante last time out made it three games unbeaten and a win on Friday would put them four points clear of the chasing pack heading into the weekend's games.

"We are doing really well at the moment but we are not rushing anything," said captain Bruno Soriano.

"We are now just thinking of winning a game at home and taking three points. To think of anything else would be a huge mistake."