Jagoba Arrasate spoke to the media ahead of our hosting of Deportivo Alaves this weekend. Find out what our boss had to say below:
On the match: Physically, this is what we have to deal with when we play practically three matches in six days. Yesterday and today, we prioritised training in the afternoons. We talked a little about our situation: the first thing is to accept that we are not doing well, the second step is to ask why we are not doing well, and the third is to remedy the situation and look for solutions. We are aware that tomorrow is an important match and we are in good spirits, even though the latest results may weigh heavily on us.
On it being like a final: More than the match, it's the situation. We have to go back to square one and be that brave team with a clear path again. Starting with the manager, who sees me as I was when I first arrived here, without being contaminated. We have to get back to that a little bit. We're putting band-aids on things and we're not growing in one idea, that change has to be seen.
On the approach: On Wednesday, we hit rock bottom and we have to change. This is not what we need, and we have reached a point where we have prioritised protecting ourselves, but no, we have to chart a course and make things happen, not wait for them to happen.
On personal feelings: I'm very motivated because things have started off on the wrong foot, and my challenge right now is to straighten out something that's crooked. I have that desire to be able to achieve it, and I think the Jagoba from day zero has to show up now. The team needs it, and we have to go for it.
On the dynamic: Sometimes the early hours of Wednesday to Thursday can also be fruitful. Realising that we're not doing well and we have to go back to square one. We're asking for something we've already done, it's a big demand. I'm explaining it here, but what counts are the facts. The 5-man defence: Sometimes, when you're not quite at your best, you tend to put in an extra player. In the end, it makes you more subdued, and the other day they got to three-quarters very easily. I'm talking more about the general idea of going back to the general idea and setting a course.
On the squad: I try to convey that and I think the team accepted it as well. Now what we need to do is face tomorrow's match with confidence. I think a team is defined by how it responds to a defeat or a critical moment. Yesterday was important on a mental level.
On the current situation: Fortunately, I've rarely been in this situation. I think we're doing what we have to do. First, accept that you're not doing well, then figure out why, and finally, fix it. Tomorrow, like Jagoba, I would like to stay true to myself. I would like to see a recognisable Mallorca that is aware of the importance of tomorrow's match. The fans are angry, and they have plenty of reasons to be, but they know we need them, and tomorrow they're going to help us.
On Kumbulla: In terms of injuries, Kumbulla will be out for another week or so; we also have Omar Mascarell undergoing tests, who seems to have a minor injury, and then there are a few players with knocks. We'll see how training goes today.
On Deportivo Alavés: They are a very tough team. In their last two away games, they won at San Mamés and drew at Getafe. They have depth in their squad and a manager who did well at the end of last season. They are a very difficult team to beat and they are a group, they all pull together. We have to think that we have to beat Alavés and we will need to be at our best to do that.
On the changes: We played on Wednesday, so there will certainly be changes, partly to freshen things up and partly to do with the game plan and what is best for the team.
On support from the club: That's not my concern, my concern is getting us back on track.
On turning point: Those who start tomorrow are privileged because they are the ones who, at a difficult time, will have the chance to start turning things around. Knowing that there are eleven of them, then five more will come out and they are all important, we have to believe in that idea.
On a long way to go in the league: I'm busy, but I'm with you, there's a long way to go, but I don't like what I see. If we get on that path, I'll be more relaxed because there are many games left and we'll get there in the end.
On the break and the points: I want as many as possible, but above all I want a change and to get back on the path we started on a year ago. We want to get on the right track.
On Marc Domenech: Of course I think about it. Do we need experience? Yes, but we also need legs and energy. Any of the players we have can start, and Marc is one of them.
On the keys: I've already said it, we have to go for it. That's just a phrase, but it implies a lot of things: pushing forward, pressing after losing the ball, playing at a high tempo and spending more time in the opposition's half.