Pellegrini calls for patience from Malaga

Published on 13/03/2013 02:25

MALAGA coach Manuel Pellegrini wants his players to control their nerves and play with patience and intelligence as they attempt to overturn a 1-0 deficit at home to Porto in tonight’s Champions League last-16 second leg.

Malaga are making their debut in Europe’s elite club competition but have a tough task to progress after losing in last month’s first leg in Portugal. “We have to know how to deal with any nerves,” Pellegrini said. “An excess of anxiety leads you to make mistakes.”

Pellegrini will have Brazilian forward Julio Baptista available after a brief period on the sidelines with a muscle strain. For Porto, midfielder Joao Moutinho should be back from a muscle strain and central defender Ezequiel Mangala is also back from a shoulder injury.