Mariano Pernía: Málaga Match Must Be A Turning Point For Atlético Madrid

Atlético Madrid need to use their match with Málaga this weekend as a "turning point" according to Mariano Pernía.

The defender told Marca today they know they can return to the top four again, however, that they need to pick up all three points on Sunday.

"The team is not playing as it did in December and because of that results are not coming. We have already had a slip in the league though, and we managed to fix it and be in second before Christmas, so we need to focus on improving and returning to the top three," he stated.

"It is important to react as soon as possible, this Sunday must be a turning point. It is very important to win the games that are coming up against our direct rivals and, if we win these games, we will go into the big matches with the necessary confidence."

One of the most worrying thing for Atlético, besides the poor results, is that they have not even been playing well, and up front they have struggled to score goals.

Pernía has faith in the two strikers and says that the relationships inside the team are good.

"Up front we definitely have a lot of quality; before we were not heroes and now we are not the bad guys. For sure, [Diego] Forlán and [Sergio] Agüero are great and in one move can win a game but if we finish third or higher at the end of the season, it will be thanks to everyone," he declared.

"Our relationship is very good, we must be strong in tough times; already we have had two or three difficult situations and we must continue going forward.

"Many statements have been misinterpreted. In moments of crisis we know that papers try to take anything that will sell, but we are the same players, with the same potential."

Along with Maxi Rodríguez, Pernía is a doubt for the match with Málaga this weekend, but he confirmed today that it is not a break or a bad injury, and he should return soon.

James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com