Joaquin Munoz backs Malaga to turn La Liga struggle around

Malaga have failed to win any of their first seven matches, but Munoz believes their performances have not reflected their position in the table.

"Things aren't going as we expected, but we need to stay calm and composed," the winger told Canal Sur Radio.

"If it's not the best, it's one of the best leagues in the world, with so many great players, which makes everything more difficult."

Malaga have already faced Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano and Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, while Villarreal have also visited La Rosaleda.

Munoz does not want those fixtures to become an excuse, however.

"We can't use the teams we've faced as an excuse," he said. "It's true we've played against several sides that compete in Europe, and at home some games have slipped away from us.

"This is a long road, and we knew it wouldn't be a walk in the park."

The Malaga-born winger remains convinced the team are capable of staying in La Liga, pointing to several matches where small details have cost them points.

"I think that LaLiga is not too much for us," Munoz said. "Against Levante, we were better than them, and against Depor, we lost it at the end because of a shot that hit the crossbar.

"These are the kinds of things in football where the ball either goes in or it doesn't.

"Against Getafe, I think we played a fantastic first half, but it slipped away at the end. I believe that if we fine-tune those details over the next couple of weeks, things will go better for all of us."

Malaga's late struggles have also raised questions about their physical condition after a demanding promotion campaign.

The squad had little time to recover after going through the entire promotion play-offs and entered the new season with less preparation than many of their La Liga rivals.

Munoz believes the international break provides an important opportunity to work on their fitness and tactical understanding.

"It's going to be like a mini-preseason to keep working on concepts and getting ourselves in shape," he said.

"It'll be good for us to reflect and see what each of us can do better."

Munoz also sent his support to teammate Julen Lobete, who underwent surgery after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament and damage to the external meniscus in his right knee.

The winger admitted the injury had affected the entire squad.

"When it happened in training, there was a general sense of sadness; everyone was down, because Julen is a wonderful person, a top teammate, and it's a real shame when things like this happen to someone who always gives his all," Munoz said.

"It's part of the job. We wish him the best recovery and hope he comes back as soon as possible; we're waiting for him."

Malaga's next chance to claim their first La Liga victory comes against Espanyol at La Rosaleda on Friday, October 9.