Armando Perez: Latino Libre

1

---

Transfers

---

Outgoing:
One player left the club in January as Spanish/English winger Brandon Thomas departed on a free transfer to Mallorca. The club had plenty of players that could operate as wide attackers and it was seen as an economic move to remove Thomas from the wage bill as he was not contributing.

Málaga Youth Intake

---

At the tail end of March, Málaga had their latest intake of youth players through the club's academy system. There were three stand-out players, all of whom could go on to become LaLiga players in the future. Isra Rodríguez was seen as the most talented of the bunch, with the right sided forward possessing pace and skill.

There were no absolute superstars in the bunch, however, and manager Pérez may have to wait until next year to find the next big thing at his own academy.

Results

---

Right-sided forward Paulino decided to enter Beast Mode as 2022 began, as a hat trick in the Copa del Rey second round helped Málaga to progress. January brought further Copa del Rey action for Málaga as they beat Racing Club de Ferrol in the Third Round but a world class Atlético Madrid outfit stopped them at the next stage.

With just the league to focus on for the remainder of the season, Pérez's outfit were allowed to take their foot off the gas a little due to the incredible lead they had picked up in the first half of the season. However, Málaga still proved to be a superior outfit and won more than not, even ending the season with four back-to-back wins.

LaLiga 2

---

Málaga were by far and away the dominant side in the division and picked up a record 101 points haul. They finished 19 points ahead of second placed Eibar, confirming promotion to Spain's top flight once more. Leganés were the playoff winners and will join Málaga and Eibar in LaLiga for next season.

Málaga's goal scoring exploits helped the club to stand out from the rest, with a league-leading 94 goals to their name. A versatile and exciting attacking line, as well as a midfield that contributed regularly, helped them to that.

Málaga striker Pablo Chavarría placed 4th in the league's Golden Boot chart with a very respectable 19 goals, having missed the first couple of months of the season with an ACL injury. Málaga's Paluno lead the assist charts in the league with 16 assists to his name.

Málaga Season Stats & Best Eleven

---

All but Gassama got game time throughout the season. Gassama was deemed surplus to requirements and was loaned in before Pérez took over as manager. Málaga were unable to terminate his loan.

Paulino lead the way on both goals (21) and assists (16), while Chavarría (20), Vadillo (17) and Cabella (15) also contributed enormously to the goal scoring.

Dan Martín played all but two games in goals for Málaga, keeping a respectable 17 clean sheets.

Málaga lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation for the entire season, with wing backs bombing up and down the flanks to allow the wide attackers to cut in regularly.

---

1

---

Transfers

---

Outgoing:
The majority of outgoings this summer were loaned-in players returning to their parent clubs. Lombán and Dani (goalkeeper) retired from football. Ale Benítez and Luis Muñoz also left, having been deemed surplus to requirements, while goalkeeper Gonzalo Crettez left on loan.

There were no major sales this window, despite the interest shown in Rémy Cabella, Paulino and Roberto Fernández.

Incoming:
There were an influx of newcomings across the pitch.

Two goalkeepers were signed - firstly Javier Belman on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract at second division side Fuenlabrada. He was expected to play a backup role to €2,100,000 signing Sergio Rico. The 28 year-old Spanish goalkeeper joined from PSG, where he played a backup role. Rico was previously a key player for Sevilla before loans at Fulham, PSG and Mallorca. Much of Málaga's hopes of survival will be resting on him and his ability to stop goals.

Two central defenders came in for free in the form of Swiss international Fabian Schär and Ivory Coast international Joris Gnagnon. Schär joined from Newcastle United, with his ability to carry the ball out of defence seen as a key contributor to Armando Pérez's interest in bringing the former Basel player to the club. Gnagnon joined from ASSE, having previously enjoyed a spell in LaLiga with Sevilla. Both defenders are expected to be regular starters.

A wing back was signed in the form of the pacey Danny Da Costa. The Angolan international had played all of his career in Germany previously for Leverkusen, Ingolstadt and, most recently, Eintracht Frankfurt. His athletic prowess and his ability to get forward will make him a key component on the right flank for Málaga, and he is sure to become a fan favourite.

Luca Sangalli joined on a free transfer from Real Sociedad. The midfielder had spent his entire career in San Sebastián and is expected to add plenty of quality, particularly from a tactical prowess, to the midfield of Málaga.

The final signing made by Málaga was considered by many to be a risk. Twenty-two year old Wales international Ben Woodburn joined on a free transfer from Liverpool, having spent the previous few seasons out on loan. Woodburn has never proven himself at the top level, despite the glowing reputation he had as a youngster, and Málaga fans are unsure if he can fulfil his potential. Should he achieve so much as a glint of the potential he had as a youngster, manager Armando Pérez will have a player on his hands.

Málaga Squad

---

Despite the financial difficulties still faced by the club, Málaga managed to bring in a few players. Manager Armando Pérez had hoped to bring in Nolito and Nani to further bolster the team's attack but couldn't raise the funds internally to complete either deal.

The expectation this season is to avoid relegation, at all costs. It won't matter how it's done, although the board does also want Málaga to play attractive, attacking, high-pressing, possession football that is solid at the back. Football Manager, huh.....

LaLiga

---

We're predicted to go down (hehe) but we'll be doing everything in our power to stay up. Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid are predicted to be the top 3, while Sevilla and Real Sociedad are the best of the rest.

Upcoming Fixtures

---

Málaga's season will begin against another promoted side - Leganés. The big fixtures on the calendar come in September and October as Málaga face Barcelona (A) and Real Madrid (H). With the World Cup being held in November and December, a mid-season break exists this season. Málaga will be aiming to have at least 15 points on the board by the time the World Cup comes around.

---

1

---

30/07/2022

Armando, Málaga's return to LaLiga begins tomorrow with an away game against fellow promotion-earners Leganés. How excited are you ahead of this season in Spain's top flight?

"For me it is the best league in the world. We have the two biggest clubs in world football and some of the best players in world football ply their trade here. Of course there is no more Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar, but we still have Busquets, Benzema, Suárez.

Málaga is a team that belongs in this division and we are incredibly excited to be coming up against the top dogs of European football at some fantastic venues. It is a sign of how much we have developed in the last twelve months that we are playing in this competition and we can start the season tomorrow knowing that we deserve to be here."

Leganés is your opponent tomorrow. Do you see this as a favourable opening game?

"Not really. They have just been promoted too and they will have a home crowd in jubilant form with similar excitement and motivation as us. Of course we can say that they are not like Real Madrid or Barcelona on paper but they are a team with incredible talent and the heart of a lion. We need to be ready technically, tactically, physically and mentally."

Your bids to sign Nolito and Nani were reportedly denied by Muñoz (controversial Málaga owner). Was this a frustrating transfer window for you?

"I prefer not to speak about business that did not happen. I am happy with the players we have signed and have enjoyed working with them so far. They have added a lot to the squad and will be players that the Málaga fans will certainly enjoy watching."

Your team enjoyed a pre-season training camp in Paris during Fashion Week, where you were spotted with Lionel Messi. You weren't trying to encourage him to join Málaga, were you?

"Of course! I told him 'I know you want me, you know I want ya' - but I think he's quite happy in Paris right now."

What is your pre-match ritual for away games?

"We like to stay in a hotel close to where we will play the next game. I have quite a relaxed evening leading up to the game. I watch some television from my hotel room, order some hotel room service. Maybe head down to the hotel bar for my favourite drink - fireball. Nothing too spectacular as long as I'm relaxed."

What will be the secret to securing survival this season?

"We know we have the ability to play in this division but we have to be weary of the mental toll LaLiga will take on us, having just been promoted. We will play games that will not go our way at all and where we are completely outclassed but we need to be ready for that and accept that we cannot win every single game. We have to push ourselves as hard as we can but when we come up to a challenge, try to enjoy it as much as possible. We want to be playing LaLiga football and that means playing tough games against the big teams. We have to enjoy that challenge - it is where we want to be."

---

---

Results

---

Paulino proved to be the star man once again as a four goal haul on the opening day saw Málaga pick up an encouraging 5-1 win over Leganés. A shock 1-0 win over Atlético at home and a win away to other promoted side Eibar saw Málaga claim nine points from the first three games.

However, we quickly became fully aware of the quality of LaLiga as we lost the next four games in a row, including away games to Barcelona and Villareal. The game away to Villareal was disastrous for Málaga, as Gerard Moreno inspired the home side to a big win.

Results picked up and steadied some what as Málaga went 2-4-2 in the next eight games, with wins over Getafe and Alavés enough to provide hope. The 4-4 game against Celta Vigo was an incredible spectacle, and proved the magical nature of LaLiga.

Málaga Season Stats

---

Once again, Paulino lead the way in both the goal scoring (7) and assist (4) charts. Chavarría, Cabella and Woodburn were also among the goals having each scored 4 goals.

It was evident the squad needed an improvement at left wing back, as well as up front, and any spending in the January widow would be spent on those two positions.

LaLiga

---

From 15 games, Málaga held 19 points. It was 4 more than the target of 15 points and manager Armando Pérez was delighted with the haul. In 11th position, Málaga were looking like being in a strong position to avoid relegation. Of course - complacency or an injury crisis could take over. Málaga will be hoping to pick up another 20 points to secure safety.

Upcoming Fixtures

---

Following the mid-season break for the World Cup, Málaga will restart with a Copa del Rey 1st Round game in mid-December. League action will return in January with a trip to Athletic Club Bilbao. There will be some amount of congestion throughout the second half of the season before a final day away to Cádiz at the end of May.

---

1

1

---

05/12/2022

Málaga manager Armando Pérez is reportedly unhappy with the ambition of Málaga chairman José María Muñoz and is said to be strongly considering his future at the southern club from Spain. Despite the club currently sitting pretty in 11th position in LaLiga following last season's promotions, Pérez is said to be incredibly infuriated by the lack of investment made into the playing squad.

Pérez was determined for Málaga to add a number of attackers to the squad in the summer but budget constraints only allowed for the free transfer of Ben Woodburn, who has scored just 4 goals so far this season from the left side of attack. Málaga were reported to have missed out on experienced attackers Nolito and Nani due to the reluctance of Málaga's board to invest any money into the squad.

With the January window approaching, Málaga manager Pérez wants to bolster his squad in a number of positions - with a left wing back, central midfielder and a striker among his priorities. Despite overachieving this season, with the just-promoted side sitting in a mid-table position, Pérez has been concerned by how easily his team has been outclassed at times.

Málaga has been heavily linked with Real Madrid striker Borja Mayoral. The Spaniard has found himself transfer listed, deemed not good enough for regular game time, and could be available for a knockdown price of less than €5,000,000. He is a player that Pérez admires greatly and would be keen to add to his squad, should the required funds be made available.

Pérez's falling out with club owner José María Muñoz comes after Pérez reportedly rejected advances from RB Leipzig and Lazio, with the Spanish manager preferring to stay put at Málaga. However, his stance has since changed and Pérez would be open to leaving Málaga at the end of this season, should funds not be provided to bolster the squad.

Having joined the club as manager in the summer of 2021, Pérez's contract still has another 18 months remaining until expiration but Pérez is likely to leave a year early. He has been linked to clubs across Europe but is said to be considering a move to France, Portugal or his native Spain.

It is not yet clear if Pérez would consider leaving the club mid-season. LaLiga rules state a manager may not manage two clubs in the same division in the same season, meaning he would have to leave for a lower league club or a foreign club if he were to manage someone else during this season.

---

---

04/01/2023

Comunicado Oficial: Málaga Club de Fútbol today confirmed the arrival of Fred, Omar Richards and Rey Manaj to the club's senior team. The three players have been registered for the current LaLiga season and will link up with Armando Pérez's squad immediately.

Brazilian midfielder Fred will wear the Number 8 for Málaga, having joined on a three-and-a-half year deal from Manchester United. The 29 year old Brazilian international cost Málaga €1,500,000, with his contract in England set to expire in six months, and is expected to be a key player for Málaga this season. Fred's renowned for his all-action performances and athletic prowess and is expected to add some much-needed energy to Málaga's midfielder.

With over 200 league games to his name for Internacional, Shakhtar and Man Utd, as well as 19 senior Brazil caps, Fred will add some much-needed experience and tactical knowledge to the team. Fred will compete with Cabella, Sangalli and Jozabed for a starting spot, with young midfielder Dani Lorenzo expected to leave the club on a permanent transfer this month.


Omar Richards joined for a €3,200,000 fee from Crystal Palace. The Jamaican international left wing back had joined Palace from Bayern Munich six months previously but had only made one league appearance for The Eagles. Richards adds pace, defensive rigidnes and attacking drive and is expected to be a key player for Pérez's side.

Richards was a key player for Reading before joining Bayern Munich on a free transfer in 2021. However, after making just 2 appearances for Bayern, he returned to England when Palace came knocking last summer. Richards, who signed for Málaga on a three-and-a-half year deal, has 6 senior caps for Jamaica.


Rey Manaj was the final of the three who joined for €400,000 from Barcelona. The 25 year old Albanian striker will wear the Number 9 and will be hoping to leave his mark on LaLiga, having not played for Barcelona in the competition previously. Manaj has played for a number of clubs in Italy and Spain, including Cremonese, Inter Milan, Pisa, Granada, Albacete Balompié and Barcelona B.

With 15 goals in 35 senior appearances for his country, Málaga fans will be hoping Manaj can replicate that kind of goal scoring form for their team, with current first-choice striker Pablo Chavarría only finding the back of the net five times so far this season.

---

1

---

Transfers

---

Outgoing:
The only senior departure was that of striker Pablo Chavarría. He left for San Lorenzo in a €150,000 deal. He was in his mid-thirties, was having a disappointing season and his contract was due to expire. It was a no-brainer, particularly with Rey Manaj coming in.

Incoming:
Three players joined in the January transfer window. Omar Richards was Armando Pérez's main target, and the Spanish club brought the Jamaican left wing back in for a bargain €3,200,000. Fred also joined for €1,500,000, with his contract at Manchester United due to expire.

Armando Pérez wanted the club to bring in Borja Mayoral from Real Madrid to bolster his attacking options. However, Málaga owner José María Muñoz refused to release any additional funds, despite the club being in a strong financial position. This meant Pérez had to settle for Albanian international striker Rey Manaj, for a €400,000 fee. Not a bad option but certainly nowhere near the level of Borja Mayoral, who joined Olympique Lyonnais for a €4,900,000 fee (he went on to score 11 goals in the second half of the Ligue 1 season...).

Málaga Youth Intake 2023

---

Head of Youth Development Duda reported a 'Golden Generation' this year and rated the intake very highly. Having delved into the profiles of the players, Armando Pérez came to the conclussion that Duda was intellectually challenged because there was nothing special at all about any player. Duda's contract was terminated the following day.

Goalkeeper Eugenio Rivas was the brightest of the lot. Good shot stopper, decent kicker, shit attitude.

Results

---

Following the mid-season break for the 2022 winter World Cup, Málaga returned to action with Copa del Rey action in December. No surprises as Paulino dominated. The arrivals of Richards, Fred and Manaj in January helped Málaga to a strong start in 2023 and they very nearly eliminated Real Madrid from the Copa del Rey 4th Round, if not for a penalty shootout defeat.

Form was incredibly mixed throughout the second half of the season and Málaga's attacking performances became very much a case of Paulino & Friends - with his Friends being incredibly shit. If only funds were released to sign a competent striker in January.

Memorable wins in the second half of the season included a 2-0 win against Villareal and....

Málaga Season Stats

---

Sergio Rico played every game in goal. 10 clean sheets in 42 games didn't tell the full picture as he did keep the score down at times this season.

Fabian Schar impressed in defence, while January arrival Omar Richards produced 8 assists from left wing back to give Málaga some quality in the back line.

Rey Manaj scored an impressive 15 goals in 22 games since signing in January but it was the Paulino show this season as the right-sided inside forward scored a total of 27 goals throughout the season as his stock in the game grew. With a release clause of just €13,500,000, he was certain to move to a bigger club this summer.

LaLiga

---

Despite a largely inconsistent season, Málaga recorded a very impressive 53 point haul. It wasn't enough for Málaga to finish anywhere above 12th. Still an impressive season, considering they were expected to be relegated.

Real Madrid won the league. Eibar, Leganés and Cádiz were all relegated.

Paulino's goal haul saw him named as the third top scorer in the league, behind Luis Suárez and Borja Iglesias.

---

1

29/05/2023

Spanish manager Armando Pérez has resigned from his role at Málaga Club de Fútbol with immediate effect. His contract with the club was due to expire in 2024 but he has decided to leave a year early due to a breakdown in working relationship with owner José María Muñoz. It marks the end of a successful two-year stint as manager, with Pérez having guided Málaga from the second division to becoming a mid-table LaLiga team during his time.

The decision made by Pérez and agent Mino Raiola to leave Málaga is embroiled in much controvery, with Muñoz said to have attempted to block the manager from leaving through legal action. However, the contract is now officially broken with Pérez free to join another club. Muñoz, on the other hand, has already made contact with LaLiga in an attempt to block Armando Pérez from joining another LaLiga club for at least twelve months.

LaLiga rules state that a manager may not manage more than one team in a single season. While Pérez has already left Málaga, Muñoz has made the argument that his original contract was agreed to run until the end of next season and that the rules should be upheld as such, despite his departure.


Pérez's working relationship with Muñoz has broken down over the last year following a regusal from the Málaga owner to provide an adequate transfer budget to improve the senior team. While the club was in financial trouble when Pérez had arrived, a season in LaLiga has since solved that problem and sources close to the club have revealed Muñoz is sitting in a giant war chest of funds.

Reports in November suggested Pérez had protested furiously at Muñoz's lack of investment into the squad, pushing the club to spend some money on bringing in January recruitments. However, Muñoz regused to release enough funds for Málaga to secure the services of striker Borja Mayoral, who joined Lyon for a €4,900,000 fee in Januarym a decision which irked Pérez enormously.

Armando Pérez had reportedly been hoping for a war chest of upwards of €20,000,000 for this summer's transfer window and had lined up moves for club icon Isco, as well as Philippe Coutinho, but a reported transfer budget of under €3,000,000 was deemed the last straw for the former Real Madrid assistant coach.


Málaga fans have already spoken of their frustration that the club did not provide enough for their manager, who won the second tier with a record amount of points in his first season before securing a highly respectable 12th place finish in LaLiga in his second, and have protested outside the club's headquarters today. It is not yet known who will replace Pérez, with Pérez himself linked to the vacant Villareal position, while FC Barcelona are currently considering Pérez as a potential replacement for Xavi this summer.

Despite these links, LaLiga may yet block Pérez from joining another Spanish club for the next twelve months. If those does happen, it is not yet known if Pérez will take a break from management or if he would pursue a job abroad. An interesting few weeks await.

---