Duda came back from the World Cup in South Africa with a pubis injury and has still to kick a ball this season for Malaga CF. During this interview with David Redshaw, he spoke of his injury, the new sheik in charge of the club and manager Jesualdo Ferreira, who only hours ago has been sacked, with ex-Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini currently the favourite to take over. It would appear a shocking set of results at home, the last of which was to Real Sociedad, is what has spurred Sheik Abdullah into action.
You’re now kicking a ball again. How’s it going?
“Very well, I’m getting better every day. There’s no point being negative about it and I hope to be back soon, but it’s important to gain confidence once more.”
Do you regret having delayed your surgery?
“Not at all. It was a difficult decision but I’d never had pubis problems before, and having talked with the specialists we initially decided on treatment rather than going under the knife. However, six weeks later it had still not responded so they told me it was best to operate.”
What has been the worst thing about being out?
“The loneliness and having to do all the running on my own. It’s the first time I’ve been out for any length of time but I’ve got to make the most of it. I’m well on the road to recovery and it shouldn’t be too long now.”
What do you think of the team?
“I’m enjoying watching them. We are improving bit by bit but we’ve lacked a bit at the back. I hope we’ll soon be more solid because we have no problem scoring goals.”
Everybody wants you back. What would be your best position in the 4-3-3 system?
“I don’t think about where would be best. I just want to get back playing and then I’ll do what the manager asks of me and help my teammates. Jesualdo Ferreira is a manager I like and he commands a lot of respect in Portugal.”
What can you tell us about Sheikh Abdullah?
“I learned he had bought Málaga during the World Cup. The club has changed 100% and it’s gone from being a selling one to a buying one - that’s very important. Apart from that the transformation has been incredible. Somebody with power has now come in and he is showing that he wants to build a big established club.”
With thanks to David Redshaw of Euro Weekly and Malaga Matchday Programme.