Martín Demichelis secured his first victory as RCD Mallorca manager in what was also his debut at the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix.
Coming from behind to beat RCD Espanyol 2-1, the journey began almost two hours earlier with a fantastic reception from the fans upon the team's arrival at the stadium.
In the second installment of '12 Matches, 12 Opportunities,' we delve into the victory against RCD Espanyol and the preparations for the important match against Elche CF through the accounts of Antonio Raíllo, Samu Costa, and Xisco Campos.
A special welcome worthy of a big occasion
"The fans deserved for us to get off the bus and walk alongside them to show that we are all united," says Costa. Campos, accustomed to these kinds of receptions during his playing days, acknowledges that "they always evoke something emotional that's hard to describe," and affirms that walking part of the route, greeting people, and looking them in the eye "really helps to foster that team-fan bond."
A difficult match that ultimately proved successful
The captain and midfielder admit that after going down 0-1 at halftime, the message Demichelis sent was that the squad had to remain positive, continue believing, and not give up. In this regard, Campos explains that "the team responded very well and maintained their intention to try and dominate the match."
The comeback was ultimately achieved, and that, according to the Mallorcan, "speaks volumes about the team's determination and emotional state, as they believed until the very end." Even with the victory secured, RCD Mallorca pressed for a 3-1 lead. "That's what the manager means by courage, that we never take a step back, that we have a plan and stick to it until the end."
The dynamics and importance of the day-to-day
"We have a table with 12 matches, and in two of them, we've earned four points. And yes, mentally it's incredible because it feels like a new tournament is starting, and you put what happened before behind you," Costa says about the message Demichelis has been sending since day one.
"They pay a lot of attention to detail, they have enormous ambition, and it shows in the way they work," the Portuguese international adds, speaking about the staff's work. Raíllo, for his part, is aware of "the responsibility" the whole team has and indicates that "the smallest detail makes the difference" and that "now is the time to take care of those details."
"The result gives you a boost, but there's something Martín says, which is the day-to-day. We start playing the game from the first day of training, and this certainly brings you closer to the result and ensures everyone is involved," Campos points out in this regard.
Work across the coaching staff
Our star from Binissalem assures that when situations like a coaching change occur, it's like "a preseason within the season" begins, during which they have been "trying to cooperate, collaborate, and maintain open communication" to understand what the new members of the coaching staff want.
Campos affirms that "on a human level," they have "connected very quickly with the new coaching staff" and that they are "in that mode of trying to help in any way" they can. "Martín is a very courageous and, at the same time, pragmatic coach. He strongly believes in the collective: that we all attack and defend," the Mallorcan explains.
A new challenge: Elche
Regarding the match against Elche, the member Campos is clear: "It's a direct confrontation; it's more than just three points." Raíllo explains: "The team is following a very clear plan. They're showing a very good image, but results are what matter. So, we have to go out and win and put as much distance as possible between ourselves and relegation. From there, if we keep adding points, we'll probably dare to do more."
