As Sergio Pellicer celebrated a remarkable comeback, one that’s becoming a hallmark of his team, he etched his name into the history books of Málaga CF. This wasn’t just any match, though – Pellicer achieved a significant milestone, tying with Juan Ramón López Muñiz as the second-most prolific coach in the club’s history, with a total of 158 games under his belt. He now trails only Joaquín Peiró, who holds the record with 224 matches. With this feat, Pellicer is just 66 games shy of becoming the coach with the most matches in Málaga’s history. If he maintains this pace, he could surpass this record by the end of the season, potentially reaching 171 games, boasting an impressive record of 59 wins, 56 draws, and 43 losses.
Behind him are notable names like Manuel Pellegrini, Javi Gracia, and Antonio Tapia, who each left their mark on the club. Although Antonio Benítez remains the historic leader with 344 games between CD Málaga and Málaga CF, Pellicer’s humility and composure in the face of this achievement are truly admirable. “We should stand up and applaud these two coaches,” he said, referring to Juan Ramón López Muñiz and Joaquín Peiró. “They’re legends, and we’ll talk more about this before the Cádiz match. I have the utmost respect for them.” Pellicer’s humility is palpable, and he’s clearly focused on the task at hand, rather than getting caught up in the hype surrounding his own achievements.
A Story of Overcoming Adversity
Sergio Pellicer’s journey with Málaga has been one of sheer determination and perseverance. He began his tenure coaching the youth teams, where he enjoyed early successes, including a Copa de Campeones win against Sevilla in 2016. When he took the reins of the first team, he had to navigate the challenges of the pandemic and ensure the team’s survival. The following season, with the team facing sanctions from LaLiga, Pellicer worked miracles, securing another season in the top flight with a bare bones squad of just 18 professional players. Manolo Gaspar brought him on board when the team was on the brink of relegation to the Primera RFEF in 2023, and although Pellicer couldn’t prevent the drop, he orchestrated a remarkable return to the second tier the very next season. With 171 games now under his belt, Pellicer’s story is one of resilience and unwavering dedication, much like the stunning comeback his team pulled off against Almería in the Andalusian derby.
Some of the key statistics that define Pellicer’s tenure include:
- 158 games coached, tying him with Juan Ramón López Muñiz as the second-most prolific coach in Málaga’s history
- 59 wins, 56 draws, and 43 losses, a testament to his ability to adapt and overcome adversity
- A mere 66 games shy of becoming the coach with the most matches in Málaga’s history
- A Copa de Campeones win against Sevilla in 2016, an early indication of his coaching prowess
As Pellicer continues to write his own story at Málaga, one thing is certain – his name will be etched in the club’s history for years to come.