They seemed like demigods, but the reality is we were in Segunda

Málaga midfielder Carlos Dotor reflects on the team's difficult start to their first season back in La Liga, acknowledging younger players are struggling with the step up in difficulty.

Málaga CF are in crisis after just five points from their opening matches with no wins and two consecutive defeats as they begin their return to La Liga. The club's squad and coaching staff are conducting internal analysis and self-criticism about their poor start.

Midfielder Carlos Dotor, who has scored twice this season and was part of last year's promotion from the Segunda División, spoke to radio station SER about the team's struggles. He acknowledged that younger players who looked like stars in the second tier are finding the adjustment to top-flight football mentally and physically demanding.

"Last year was a beautiful and exciting season. It's true that in cities like Málaga everything gets magnified a bit. In the end Chupete and Larrubia seemed like demigods, but the reality is we were in Segunda División," Dotor said.

The midfielder believes the team can turn things around if they stay focused and supportive of each other. "We knew it would be very difficult. It's costing us more than we thought, but we're still alive. We can't throw in the towel," he added, emphasizing the need to analyze their mistakes and adapt quickly to a category where opponents show no mercy.