Granada vs Malaga preview - Resino: We need win at all costs

Posted Saturday, March 07, 2015 by PA

Granada manager Abel Resino has underlined the importance of beating Malaga in Saturday's Andalusian derby by emphasising that "time is running out" for his team to avoid the drop.

Granada are second bottom of the Primera Division and five points from escaping the relegation zone. They are 21 points worse off than Malaga, who go into the derby in resolute form having won their last two matches, against Barcelona and Getafe.

However, for Resino, the fact the two teams are in contrasting situations should be no excuse for his side.

"We need to learn how to win games in crucial moments, it's no use winning when there is nothing at stake, we need to win right now because time is running out," he told a press conference.

"I think my players are more focused than usual, they feel a great sense of responsibility and they know that this is a vital game. They know that they have to hit the ground running, that they need to win at all costs."

Although Granada will need their fellow strugglers to keep dropping points if they are to survive, Resino insisted his side are not interested in how their rivals get on.

"We cannot be looking at anyone else, we need to worry about ourselves. If you don't win your matches it makes no difference what the other teams do," he said.

The coach also believes the team have improved since he took over following the sacking of Joaquin Caparros in January, but admitted they needed to take more risks.

"We have to be bolder in order to score goals and our attack has to be the absolute priority," he said.

Granada will be missing Lass Bangoura and Diego Mainz through injury and Adrian Colunga is suspended, but are boosted by the return of Emanuel Insua, Youssef El Arabi and Piti.

Malaga boss Javi Gracia, meanwhile, is still looking for more from his in-form side as they chase a possible European spot.

"With 13 games left to go, and a lot of points in play, it's crucial that we show great ambition, as we have a hunger and desire to improve," said Gracia, who has named the same squad as the one that beat Getafe 4-3 last week

"We've spent a good part of the season in seventh position in the table, we don't know if we'll make Europe or not, but we must try our best to improve."