"We had a play called 'Isco' and it's still valid today"

Málaga manager Juanfran Funes praised Betis ahead of Saturday's Andalusian derby, calling them one of Spain's best teams with dangerous attacking players.

Málaga manager Juanfran Funes held his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's visit to Betis, describing Manuel Pellegrini's side as one of Spain's best teams with "differential players" and among the most attractive and dangerous in the league. He highlighted Betis's width in attack and their ability to create space in the interior corridors, noting they have grown in confidence since the season's opening weeks.

Funes acknowledged the special nature of the Andalusian derby, particularly given the circumstances and the number of Málaga supporters expected to travel to La Cartuja. He reflected on the many Betis players with Málaga history—Isco, Fornals, and Llorente—as well as Pellegrini and his coaching staff, recalling that the club's reserve team once had a corner routine named after Isco that remains in use today.

The Málaga boss expressed hope that Tuesday's Copa del Rey victory over Sporting Alcázar (3-0) will reverse his team's poor league form. Currently bottom of La Liga without a win, Funes emphasized the importance of possession and warned against losing the ball carelessly against Betis's lethal transitions.