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DECISION TIME IN MALAGA – Will Manuel Pellegrini be the next coach out?
- Updated: 8 February, 2012
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Just two weeks ago Malaga were in trouble. No wins in 2012 has seen them on the slide, that weekend they faced a must win game against Sevilla, and they delivered, albeit in a scrappy and bad-tempered game.
However this weekends defeat to the resurgent Granada sees them back to square one.
Malaga need to get their act together, and fast. Atletico Madrid are flying under new coach Simeone and have quickly leapfrogged the Andalucian outfit. With Marcelino’s departure it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that Sevilla could experience a similar resurgence, Malaga could soon find themselves outside the top 10.
So should Malaga stick or twist?
There were certainly murmurs of unrest amongst the Malaga fans after the weekends disappointing loss to lowly Granada. They are naturally disappointed at the clubs recent form which has seen them slump to eighth in the table.
If an upturn in performances is not forthcoming it will get a lot worse for Malaga in the coming weeks. Despite being in eighth they sit just six points from the relegation zone.
With an extremely tough run in including Valencia, Barcelona and Atletico, it is vital if they are to have any participation in Europe next season, to get as many points as possible from the next four of five fixtures which include winnable against Zaragoza and Levante.
Some are calling for Pellegrini to be dismissed and the club have more than likely considered it. A new manager could be the lift the club needs, however it is a risk, it can easily lead to a bigger slump in form.
Their most recent adversaries Granada are thriving under new coach Abel Resino, Atletico Madrid have also been tremendous since bringing in Diego Simeone, In England the appointment of Martin O’Neill has transformed Sunderland’s fortunes.
It would not be surprising if Pellegrini lost his job, especially if they fail to get three points against Mallorca in the next game. He has done a decent job so far, but perhaps a new appointment could be the catalyst which gets the club going again.
You don’t get many chances in modern football, there is too much at stake.
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