Funes: The Humble Gaffer Transforming Málaga's Fortunes
From relegation battlers to promotion contenders, Juanfran Funes has engineered a remarkable turnaround at Málaga CF while keeping his feet firmly on the ground.
In just two months, Juanfran Funes has gone from managing Málaga’s B team to becoming the toast of LaLiga Hypermotion, transforming a struggling side into genuine promotion contenders with an unbeaten run that has the Costa del Sol buzzing.
The Turnaround Artist
The numbers tell a proper story. Since taking over in mid-November, Funes has guided Málaga to an impressive unbeaten run of nine matches – seven wins and two draws, including six consecutive victories. This remarkable form has catapulted the club from relegation candidates to third in the table.
What makes this achievement even more impressive is the initial skepticism that greeted his appointment. Many supporters and pundits questioned the decision to promote the B team manager rather than bringing in a more experienced head.
“I understood the fans at that moment and knew it was something I had to live with normally,” Funes reflects on the early criticism. “I knew the only way to turn things around was through work.”
Psychology Over Tactics
Much has been made of Funes’ psychological approach to management. The gaffer is known for using motivational phrases and even movie references to inspire his squad – methods his players were already familiar with from his time with the B team.
His philosophy centers around building belief rather than demanding blind obedience:
- Emphasizing attacking football that suits the squad’s strengths
- Creating an environment where players enjoy their football
- Building confidence through positive reinforcement
- Maintaining emotional stability regardless of results
The Albacete Turning Point
While results at home came quickly, the away form initially lagged. The victory at Albacete marked a crucial moment when the team finally demonstrated they could perform away from La Rosaleda. Funes credits this win as an eye-opener for the players, proving they could be just as dangerous on the road.
Transfer Window Calm
With the January window closing, Funes appears content with his current squad, even suggesting he’d prefer no movement either way. When asked about potential departures of standout performers like Chupete or Larrubia, he expressed confidence in the club’s stance: “I’m calm based on what the club has told me. They won’t allow anyone to leave easily for little money.”
Keeping Feet on the Ground
Despite the promotion talk swirling around Málaga, Funes remains admirably grounded. Rather than dampening enthusiasm, he’s channeling it differently.
“What’s important isn’t dreaming about promotion, but that the fans feel proud,” he insists, focusing on building a connection between supporters and team that transcends results.
As for his own future beyond his June 30th contract expiration? The former teacher is taking it one game at a time, just like his approach to the season.
With trickier fixtures on the horizon against desperate teams fighting relegation, plus the added target on Málaga’s back as the form team, Funes’ ability to maintain this momentum will face its sternest test yet. But based on the evidence so far, you wouldn’t bet against him pulling it off.