Saviola focused on Porto test

Malaga's Saviola focused on Porto test

Jan 28, 2013 9:15:00 PM

The 31-year-old has called for focus ahead of next month's Champions League clash and pays tribute to Manuel Pelligrini

Malaga forward Javier Saviola has stressed the need for focus ahead of next month's Champions League round-of-16 clash with Porto.

Los Boquerones have enjoyed a productive debut season in Europe's elite competition having trumped Italian giants AC Milan to top spot in Group C.

But Saviola is refusing to look beyond the challenge of Porto when discussing Malaga's Champions League aspirations.

"The important thing in the Champions League is to take each game as it comes," he told Fifa.com.

"It is very difficult to know the full potential of every team, because this is a competition in which you play the very best.

"You can never think of the future because there are extremely competitive teams, who each have great players on a worldwide level. To consider the future would be a mistake."

Meanwhile, the former Real Madrid striker also heaped praise on coach Manuel Pelligrini for his philosophy towards the game.

"He is a coach who wants good football to prevail over anything else," Saviola said.

"In modern football, where sometimes the physical and tactical aspects of the game are given priority, it is good to have a coach who tries to play attractive football."

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