Malaga vs Rayo Vallecano preview - Jemez warns of Malaga threat

Posted Saturday, October 25, 2014 by PA

Rayo Vallecano coach Paco Jemez believes Sunday's game at a fast-improving Malaga will be a real test of his side's mettle.

The Vallecas club sit ninth in the Primera Division table after last week's late win at Granada but the coach believes Malaga are a stronger outfit than Joaquin Caparros' side and will pose his team more problems.

He told a press conference: "Malaga are becoming a better side with every week. They have moulded into a good side, with many options in midfield and attack, and they have speed, youth and very good players.

"They are going to demand everything of us and I've already told my players that what we did at Granada will not be enough at Malaga. I have been very clear about that. We have to be a much better team, create many more chances and defend very well."

Malaga host Rayo after recording successive wins over Granada and Cordoba and Jemez believes they will be in confident mood when they take the field.

"Malaga are on a better run than Granada and you have to play very well against these types of teams," he said.

"They are going to fill the stadium and it's a very important game for us to show that we can really keep competing with these types of teams and we can stay in the position we are and maybe even improve on it."

Malaga have no fresh injury concerns but Rayo will be without top scorer Alberto Bueno and defender Abdoulaye Faye is suspended.

However, Jemez explained that defender Ze Castro is set to return to action as is Antonio Amaya, even though the centre-back has a broken finger.

The coach also responded to gushing praise from Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, who earlier this week called Rayo "the best example with which to explain Spanish football: good football and passion."

Jemez said: "I'm not usually moved by praise but when someone of Ancelotti's importance says that it makes you think that we are doing things the right way.

"We are a team that people like to watch play and that gives us enormous satisfaction. We play to win and for other reasons, such as to give our fans a good time, to get behind us and to value the way we play. I'm grateful for his words and we will try to keep doing as we are."