Luis García spoke to the media for the first time in his official press conference. Find out what our new boss had to say as pre-season begins, the decision to join and what the future holds. He was joined by sporting director Pablo Ortells and CEO of Business Alfonso Diaz. 

Pablo Ortells, sporting director:

“Luis – you all know him. He came through the ranks here many years ago. He understands perfectly what Mallorca and the Mallorcan spirit are all about. Right from the start, he showed a tremendous desire to be part of this project. He’s a manager with incredible energy and a tremendous work ethic, and that’s what he brings to us. For my part, welcome back, Luis. You have our full support, and I’d like to thank you for rejoining this Mallorca side at a time when we’ve suffered relegation, but when the club is set to take steps towards returning to the First Division. Your success is our success. All of us together — Luis, the coaching staff, the players, the directors and the fans — must pull in the same direction to reach the First Division.”

Alfonso Díaz, CEO of Business:

“We’re thrilled that he brings that drive and that energy. I think he knows the club and the island very well; he’s been part of us before, and I’m sure that with the drive and energy he brings, things will go very well for us.”

Luis García, RCD Mallorca manager:

"First of all, I’d like to thank Andy Kohlberg, the sporting management and the club for the trust they’ve placed in me to return to the island and reconnect with the fans who made me so happy back then. We’re coming here full of energy and enthusiasm, knowing what Mallorca is all about – a truly great club that you all feel so deeply about. I’d like to echo Pablo (Ortells)’s words: ‘We need everyone’. I know exactly what ‘Mallorquinismo’ means and I know what it achieved back in 2005, when we were all united; this is a time to be more united than ever. It’s been a disappointing period, but now that the new season is kicking off, we need to bring enthusiasm, energy, intensity, ambition and high standards. That’s what we’re going to try to convey every day, in every match and in every training session; that’s my way of understanding the game. It’s going to be a very demanding year, but we’re all going to be very united and ready to face this challenge.”

When did RCD Mallorca get in touch with you?

“I can’t give you an exact date, but as far as my situation was concerned, Las Palmas and I had agreed that I wouldn’t be staying on, and it was after that that they got in touch with me. I was absolutely thrilled to be coming back here and to be here. There had been contact, but nothing official because, without a doubt, Martín (Demichelis) was the manager and we couldn’t move forward in any way.”

What did you think when you received the call?

“It’s an extraordinary club, which has grown tremendously over the last ten years. I’d just spent five years in the top flight, and we all know how difficult it is to stay there. I’m really excited and keen to be here. Now that it’s a reality, it’s time to work really hard to get to know the players personally, get things up and running, and try to inspire the Mallorcan fans – which is what we want – so that they support us and we can secure victories.”

Do the players adapt to you, or do you adapt to them?

“My approach is very clear: I want us to take the initiative with the ball, to be aggressive without it, to try to defend high up the pitch, for the players to really want to play, and for there to be no fear of making mistakes. For me, the biggest mistake is always not wanting to play when you’re working every day to play. I’m convinced they have the ability and that we won’t be afraid to make mistakes because we’re going to work on it every day.”

How is the coordination with Pablo Ortells, and in which positions do you think Mallorca needs more players?

“The coordination is seamless. Honestly, I’ve found this to be a highly professional club, with very knowledgeable and capable people. I know there’s only been one signing so far, but this is a long process; there’s still plenty of the transfer window left. My trust in the sporting management and the club is absolute because we’re working very closely together.”

Regarding Andy Kohlberg’s message

“We need to be aware of where we are and the challenges that lie ahead. The players need to be aware of the situation we’re in and that we’re going to push them as hard as we can to help them settle in, so that they enjoy playing football, because if they enjoy themselves, we’re sure to get better results. I spoke to Sergi (Darder) and I could tell he was really excited, raring to go and keen to help.”

Has the coaching staff been finalised, and what are your impressions of Son Bibiloni?

“It’s a completely different story. The club is far more professional; we’re in very good hands. A great deal has been invested in the club’s infrastructure and staff. Joining me as assistant manager is Mossa, along with assistant coach Jordi Benavent and fitness coach Marc Giménez, as well as the people I’ve met at the club, who are all highly qualified.”

Have you tried to persuade players to stay?

“Yes, I’ve spoken to several players, the captains and Pablo (Torre) as well. We want to have the best; Martín (Valjent) and Pablo are very good footballers, each in their own role. Pablo is a vital, key player in the way I understand the game. Martín has extraordinary leadership qualities and is a formidable defender. When I spoke to him, from what he told me, he’s a very committed lad. I can’t wait for tomorrow so I can look them in the eye and say: ‘You’ve got to stay here’.”

How can we win over the fans?

“By conveying that enthusiasm every time we pull on the Mallorca shirt, with that ambition and leadership. Victories always inspire excitement, and so do new seasons. Everything that has happened is painful, but now we need to get our act together and work hard to show the Mallorca fans a highly competitive team, eager to enjoy this wonderful sport together.”