Funes Mori's theatrical metaphor: Málaga boss compares squad to stage company
Málaga's philosophical manager Sergio Pellicer Funes continues his colorful press conference analogies, this time likening his promotion-chasing squad to a theatre company.
Málaga’s eccentric boss has been at it again with another brilliant metaphor, this time comparing his promotion-chasing squad to a theatre company as they prepare for their next LaLiga Hypermotion fixture.
The Professor strikes again
If you’ve been following Málaga this season, you’ll know their gaffer Funes has a proper knack for serving up philosophical gems in his pressers. The man’s been a walking quote machine, previously treating journalists to:
- Freudian psychology lessons on the ‘Super-ego’
- Latin wisdom with his ‘carpe diem’ philosophy
- Film club analysis referencing Kung Fu Panda and ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’
- History lectures about the conquest of the Caliphate of Córdoba
And now, as Málaga prepare to face Burgos with promotion to La Liga in their sights, Funes has gone full West End with his latest analogy.
Raising the curtain
The theatrical comparison came as reporters quizzed him about potential selection headaches with several players on yellow card warnings. Rather than getting his knickers in a twist, Funes went full Shakespeare:
“It’s like a theatre production,” he explained. “You raise the curtain and see eleven players and think there’s no replacements.”
He continued by painting a picture of what happens behind the scenes – when the metaphorical curtain drops between matchdays – suggesting fans would be gobsmacked by the quality shown by squad players in training.
Squad depth on display
Funes specifically namechecked several standout performers:
- Javi Montero’s “spectacular” training performances
- Eneko and Juanpe impressing behind the scenes
- Carlos López pushing first-choice keeper Alfonso Herrero
This theatrical approach seems to be working a treat, with Málaga firmly in the promotion mix despite operating with a smaller budget than many of their Segunda División rivals.
Injury concerns
It’s not all roses and standing ovations though – striker Julen Lobete trained separately with knee discomfort and remains doubtful for the Burgos clash. Meanwhile, seven other players (Moussa, Ramón, Darko, Víctor, Dani Sánchez, Luismi and Pastor) continue their rehabilitation programs.
As Málaga chase promotion back to the big time, their philosophical gaffer’s press conferences remain almost as entertaining as the football itself. Talk about a proper box office attraction!