Jagoba Arrasate spoke to the pre-match press conference ahead of our clash with Real Sociedad. Find out what the boss had to say:
On the week: “We've prepared the week like any other in terms of tactics, analysing the opponent, and what interests us. But we also have to encourage the crowd. I think there are times when the squad also needs some affection and confidence. In that sense, the week may have started off on a low note, but as the days have gone by, we've gained momentum. Today, the crowd was very prepared, very aware of the game we have tomorrow, and I think we're ready.”
On the team: “Football is about being present, even if you have 40 points. If you play a game like the other day, especially the second half, and lose against a direct rival, it's normal for it to affect you emotionally. As I said, as the days and hours go by, you get motivated, train, gain confidence and prepare for the game. Now we're on the eve of the game, and it's a very important game for us, against an opponent who is right there with us, who I think is in good form. It's a tough game, but I think the team has shown it can be very competitive, and now we need to be more competitive than ever to score.”
On a decisive match: “Every match is important now; in the end, there are only a few left. We saw it [the match against Celta] as crucial, we lost it and tomorrow's match is the same. It's true that right now, to get back into those league positions, let's say, fully back into them, we need to win. We didn't win the other day; we need to win away from home, against an opponent who currently has a point advantage over us. It's a vital match for us, and above all, more than thinking about qualification and such things, we're thinking about finding that competitive version of ourselves again, that solid version, because I think that's the only way we'll have a chance of winning.”
On injuries: “We have four players out, and it's likely we'll have four more next week. They're muscle-related, so it won't be for many weeks, but the schedule is very compressed right now, and we have three games in quick succession. Then we have a break for the cup final, and then we play in Girona, so there's still plenty of room for improvement. We'll see; they're injured now, and we'll see how they progress. We've got two players back from suspension, who are also very important for us. But anyway, we're thinking about those who are here tomorrow and those who can help us get a good result.”
On the final stretch: “When you have a squad, it's for this: when you have absences, you pull from everyone. I think people are ready, and it's true that lately, we haven't changed the starting eleven much. But hey, when there are absences, there's always an opportunity for others. An opportunity to prove themselves, to establish themselves in the starting eleven. Regarding the reserve team, well, we already consider David to be part of the first team, but both Marc and Jan are training with us, they're doing well, and that's why they're traveling tomorrow. Because they have a chance to help us, and like these two, any player. We're open to players from the reserve team helping us in this final stretch.”
On starting XI: “When I put together a starting XI, I'm not thinking about whether they've played a lot or a few minutes. I understand that you have a game plan, and for that plan, you put together a starting eleven, an idea of the game, and that's it. You're not thinking about whether this player has played more or less. For me, they're all the same in that regard.” It's true that those who have played less probably have less confidence, may have less rhythm, but that's how competition works. There comes a time when we need everyone, like we do all season, because in the end, if one trains well, they're competing for the other and the team wins. This has always been the case, and in that sense, there may be players who have played less recently who now get more minutes, and hopefully they'll do well."
On the last defeat: “I think it's obvious that Mallorca, without those six players, loses potential, but I see that, and I think you see it too. I have to make my team a competitive team. I don't like to see my team like I saw it in the last half hour, at the mercy of the opponent. Of course, I have some responsibility there. We made the most of the week for that, too. Tomorrow we have a tough opponent. But I think we can do well, and Mallorca's challenge is to show up there, at Anoeta, and play a competitive game that will be difficult for the opponent and give us a chance of getting a good result.”
On Cyle Larin: "Larin's case is different from what we've been talking about lately. I think Larin has had playing time, opportunities, and very good moments throughout the season, but he's a kid who goes through ups and downs. Emotionally, he has his ups and downs, and in that regard, we need the best version of Larin. It's one thing for me to trust him, but the one who has to do it is himself first. We need that Larin from the final stretch of the first half of the season, because I think if we find that Larin, the team will also appreciate it."
On Real Sociedad: "I think Real Sociedad's season needs to be put into context, with hundreds of games played, injuries, wear and tear, and in the cup, they were on the verge of reaching the final. In the League, little by little, I think, they're finding their feet, and right now they're probably at their best and will be fighting to qualify for a sixth European title. I think that says it all, but anyway, I think this team is capable of putting up a fight, of making it difficult for Real Sociedad, and that's what we're going to try to do, knowing we're up against a good opponent."
On visiting Anoeta: “We won the last game there against Osasuna, and Mallorca's last game there was one of the greatest joys in recent years. In that sense, the last memory of Anoeta is positive for the players and for me as well. But hey, if I've only won once there and the team hasn't won in 20 years, that speaks volumes about the difficulty. It's a team that's been having great seasons lately, and they're solid at home. Tomorrow will also be difficult, which is why I said we need to be at our best, our competitive side, to have a chance.”
On Europe: “If we had drawn or won against Celta, it would have been a great season, but we lost the other day, with bad feelings, and right now it seems like everyone is disenchanted. But that's what professionals are for: to pick ourselves up, to make amends, to react to a defeat, and to show that we're a good team, which we've proven throughout the season. That's why I said before that we haven't been looking too much at the standings. We need to improve in certain areas, and if we improve, the points will come, the wins will come, and then we'll see where we finish.”
On defensive solidity: “It's one of the things we have to improve, keeping a clean sheet. It's very easy to say and more complicated to do, but it's true that, for one reason or another, there have been second-half matches where we've defended well but haven't been able to keep a clean sheet. It's true that the goals are the opponent's merit, but we can always improve, and that comes from a collective approach. I think that often, when we see goals, the goalkeeper, a center-back, or whatever will always be the one in the picture. But sometimes the goals come from other situations, and we need more solidity, because in these types of matches, against opponents like Real Sociedad, it's not easy to create, it's not easy to score goals. So, a clean sheet has to be a prerequisite for us.”