Pellicer Breaks Silence: ‘Felt Sadness, But Much Peace’ After Málaga Exit

A month after his surprise sacking, former Málaga boss Sergio Pellicer has finally broken his silence in an exclusive interview with Radio MARCA, revealing mixed emotions about his departure from the Costa del Sol outfit.

The Emotional Farewell

Pellicer, who had become a proper fixture at La Rosaleda, spoke candidly about the conflicting emotions he experienced when shown the door. “Sentiments were opposite - tremendous sadness on one hand, but much peace on the other,” he admitted, clearly still processing the end of his Málaga chapter.

What’s crystal clear is the gaffer’s deep connection to the club. Unlike many modern managers who bounce around like a pinball, Pellicer considers Málaga his “home” and “family” - not just another line on his CV. The outpouring of support from fans following his exit left him visibly moved.

Under Pressure from the Off

The pressure at Málaga is no joke, and Pellicer revealed he’d been feeling the heat since matchday four when they were sitting on just 8 points. That’s the reality of managing a sleeping giant in Spain’s second tier.

“Many times a victory allows you to inflate, and a defeat makes you sink,” he explained, highlighting the rollercoaster nature of management at a club with massive expectations.

Fine Margins Decided His Fate

Football can be a right liberty sometimes, can’t it? After all, it was a last-gasp winner against Tarragona that previously made Pellicer a hero. This time around, late goals against Castellón and Córdoba proved his downfall. That’s football for ya - one minute you’re the dog’s dinner, the next you’re brown bread.

Looking to the Future

Currently in a period of reflection and family time, Pellicer isn’t rushing back into the dugout. He’s taking the Christmas period to recharge before considering his next move, though he remains convinced of Málaga’s potential this season.

With just 8 points separating sixth place from Granada, he believes this is the most competitive Segunda División in years - a “beautiful opportunity” for clubs that can maintain their composure.

Behind the Scenes Support

Interestingly, Pellicer hinted at a lack of public backing from the club’s hierarchy during tough times. While he always felt supported internally, he acknowledged that as the club’s public face, he sometimes stood alone when defending performances.

“I might have needed someone to publicly say they trusted me,” he reflected, though he maintains a clear conscience about his time at the helm.

For a bloke who’s given so much to Málaga through multiple spells, you’d hope his next gig gives him the backing he deserves. Spanish football’s second tier would be poorer without him.