Salva Ballesta: "They're both in good shape"

Málaga CF and Valencia CF will close matchday 21 of Liga BBVA with both sides dreaming of securing European qualification. They are both teams that feature many young players who have played some scintillating football thus far this term. A player to have played for both sides is Salva Ballesta (Zaragoza, 22/05/1975), who is currently the coach of Atlético Malagueño (Málaga’s second side).

He scored 24 times in Liga BBVA for Valencia, while he was at Málaga for five years, netting 48 times in 123 league games. With regards to Monday’s (20:45h) game, the former striker has hopes for both sides. He said that he sees Valencia as "fabulous, the side have got a great dynamic and are trained by a coach [Nuno Espírito Santo] who grows every day and is doing a top job". Meanwhile, with Javi Gracia he talks about the first team’s future players and is also similarly as glowing: "It's great to have Javi here, both for the players and for the second team’s coach. He is a player who works sensationally and looks at the youth sides a lot. Two players I had last year are now in the first team squad".

Juanpi and Samu Castillejo, from the Tercera to Liga BBVA

Two players under Salva's watch last season have got minutes with Javi Gracia this term. "They were with me, they had a great year and the club has backed them", but both Juanpi and Samu have joined other youngsters who have helped the side reach seventh place in Liga BBVA. "Sergi Darder, Samu García and Juanmi are players with two to three years experience and they’re making a name for themselves. All three of them have a lot of quality".

The former goal machine is the perfect person to speak about Málaga’s current number 9, Javi Guerra. "He's a box player who scores. He’s from the city of Malaga, which is something the crowd like. He has come with a lot of illusion and he will contribute to the growth and success of the club. It’s pleasing; a forward with many years at the top ahead of him".

Negredo, a marvel for Salva

"Negredo is a player with a lot of form at the highest level, Paco Alcácer has now become a full international and makes scoring goals look easy and it a difficult opponent. Above all for their mental and physical condition right now", said the Atlético Malagueño boss.

Both sides are looking to get into Europe this season. "I think that they are two teams in good form. Málaga are in a privileged situation with the points they’ve got and I don't think a lot of people expected that initially, but they have managed to do things well. Málaga’s objectives aren’t the same as Valencia's, but both sides go into the game in a good moment and hopefully there will be a good game".

Javi Gracia and Nuno looking to continue building

Aged just 44 and 41 respectively, Javi Gracia and Nuno are two new names in Liga BBVA and Salva is looking to learn from them. "Both Nuno and Javi are young coaches with a lot of future in front of them, generations pass and new ones come along. I love football and I dedicate a lot of time to it, just like when I was a player".