Martín Demichelis spoke to our club media for the first since extending his contract with RCD Mallorca until 2028. Find out what our new boss had to say about the new deal, season ahead and the future. 

How do you feel about this contract extension?

Happy. I said it from the very first day I arrived, and I’ve repeated it at several press conferences. And I feel very proud to be part of what we’re going to rebuild, of what we’re going to achieve. It’s true that (relegation) was painful for everyone, starting with the fans, the players and the players’ families, but the very next day I already felt a moral obligation and a desire to start redoubling my efforts. So I’m grateful to the club, which is giving me the chance to continue, to try or to keep trying to build on that identity we gave the team in such a short time, and to be honest, I’m really excited.

How do you feel about taking charge of the project right from the start of the season?

I think it’s different jumping on a moving train under the circumstances we found ourselves in. It’s always very painful when there’s a change of manager because the players experience very mixed feelings, but we found a squad that was willing to listen to us and showed a tremendous willingness to work. That’s also part of what excites me: that in a short space of time we’ve managed, together – and I’m not just talking about the coaching staff, but everyone involved – to give Mallorca an identity. And that’s what I aim for: that over the next 42 matchdays, the fans feel a sense of belonging, and that any player coming to play for Mallorca knows exactly what’s expected of them. Despite having picked up 50% of the points in those 12 matches, it hasn’t been enough, but part of what I’ve just said is what excites me so much. Being able to work with a distinct identity, but above all, with an institution built on solid foundations that allows us to work together as one, to help one another, and to grow. It hurts to say it now, obviously, because it’s so recent, but Mallorca doesn’t belong in the Second Division, so we’ll fight as the club and the situation deserve to get back up there. 

What sort of Mallorca do you want to see next season?

I want Mallorca to be known for the way they play. I want our opponents to understand perfectly well that they’ll be facing a Mallorca side that will press high up the pitch, that will look to dominate possession and control the game, and that will be aggressive in attack. We must build from the back outwards, as I always say. A team that is rock-solid in defence, but a Mallorca side that is dominant. Not just on the island, but on every pitch we have to play on, regardless of who the opposition is.

What will be the key to achieving the goal of returning to the top flight?

Commitment and the challenge, which must be a major one for everyone. It’s a huge opportunity to be reborn, to grow again. There’s no shame in being in the Second Division, but it is a great honour to do well, to do it as we deserve, and to get Mallorca back into the top flight. So, anyone who isn’t willing to fight for a place, for the team, for the good of the group, raise your hand. We said we wanted to stay. We’re happy and grateful to the club, which is giving us this chance to lead, together, a group of players who I have no doubt will stay to get Mallorca back into the top flight. 

What do you think of the Second Division?

For those of us who are passionate about football, Spain’s Second Division is a league always worth watching. I know it’s tough, I know it’s long, but I like long seasons because I believe my approach requires a good pre-season, a four- or six-week build-up to ensure we’re in good shape for the start, so we can maintain that level of performance that comes in the middle of such a long league campaign. I’m passionate about it, it appeals to me, and I’m already looking forward to the whole new set-up so that, together, we can be in good shape for the first day of training.

A message to the fans: 

Right now, three important words spring to mind that I think everyone should understand: rebuilding, commitment and enthusiasm. The fans will always be hopeful. We will be the first to give that hope back to the people, more and more each time. I have to thank them. On a personal level, they have treated us and welcomed us wonderfully. That is also why I offered my services to the club, because I believe the fans have been a huge part of these past three months. I’ve seen them hurt, obviously, at not having achieved the ultimate goal, but I think that in the final stages they were just as excited as we were. So, I want to share this new journey with them. I know they’re going to support us, that they’ll be there, and I have no doubt that the team is going to get them more and more excited.