Funes shocks Málaga fans: 'I'd sign for no transfers in or out!'
Málaga's manager stuns supporters by requesting zero January movement despite left-back crisis, preferring to trust his current squad amid six-match unbeaten run.
Sergio Funes has raised eyebrows across the Costa del Sol by telling Málaga’s sporting director Loren Juarros he wants absolutely no transfer activity this winter window. Despite an injury crisis at left-back, the gaffer’s happy with his current crop as they ride a six-match unbeaten streak.
Trust the process
While most managers are on the blower to agents faster than you can say ‘transfer deadline day’, Funes is taking the complete opposite approach. The Loja-born coach has made it crystal clear that he backs his current squad to deliver the goods for the remainder of the campaign.
In his pre-match presser before the Ceuta clash, Funes doubled down on his stance: “If we could guarantee nobody comes in and nobody leaves in the next two windows, I’d sign for that.”
It’s a bold strategy, Cotton, let’s see if it pays off for him.
The left-back dilemma
What makes Funes’ transfer reluctance even more surprising is Málaga’s current predicament at left-back:
- Dani Sánchez and Víctor García both sidelined with complex injuries
- Neither player expected back before late February or March
- Club considering signing a left-sided defender
- Any new signing would require offloading someone first
Rather than dipping into the market, Funes has suggested Rafita as the solution, noting: “He’s fully capable of playing there. He was a left winger for many years during his development and is used to playing there.”
The bigger picture
Málaga’s current form certainly gives Funes breathing room. The Blanquiazules are flying compared to previous seasons, when January reinforcements felt like a necessity rather than a luxury.
The gaffer’s philosophy seems simple - why fix what ain’t broke? He’s clearly concerned that new faces might disrupt the squad harmony that’s been building at La Rosaleda.
For Málaga supporters, it’s a refreshing approach that shows confidence in the current squad, though some might worry whether standing pat during the window could come back to haunt them if injuries continue to pile up.