Arrasate Refuses to Sacrifice Copa del Rey for League Points
Mallorca boss Jagoba Arrasate is targeting cup glory alongside La Liga survival, taking a strong squad to face Deportivo La Coruña at Riazor.
Mallorca manager Jagoba Arrasate has made it crystal clear he won’t be throwing in the towel on cup competitions despite the club’s precarious league position.
Cup Ambitions
When asked if he’d accept a Copa del Rey elimination in exchange for guaranteed wins against Valencia and Girona in their upcoming league fixtures, Arrasate was having none of it: “No, because we want to win everything, and we want the Copa.”
That’s the spirit, innit? None of this prioritising malarkey that some managers waffle on about when they’re trying to justify fielding the reserves.
Deportivo Challenge
Mallorca face a tricky away tie at Deportivo La Coruña, a clash that has all the hallmarks of a top-flight encounter despite the hosts’ current lower league status.
“We need to play with courage and personality,” Arrasate explained. “It’s a big stadium and we need our best version to impose ourselves in that environment.”
The gaffer seems well aware that his side will need to step up another gear after previous rounds:
- Progressed past Sant Just in the early rounds
- Upped their game to eliminate Numancia in Soria
- Now facing an even tougher test at the Riazor
Squad News
Mallorca will be without Manu Morlanes for the cup tie, though the midfielder has begun running again and could return for the weekend’s league action.
Better news comes in the form of Antonio Raíllo, who’s declared himself “perfect” with his protective mask - though Arrasate cheekily suggested he wasn’t sure if his captain was telling the truth or just being brave.
Abdon Prats could be the ace up Mallorca’s sleeve, with Arrasate highlighting the striker’s special relationship with the Copa: “Abdon has a love affair with the Cup, you just need to look at his numbers.”
Looking Forward
The recent victory has clearly boosted morale in the camp, with Arrasate hoping to capitalise on that newfound confidence at the Riazor.
There’s no talk of revenge for past promotion battles - Arrasate is firmly focused on treating this as what it essentially is: a Primera División level match in all but name.
With speculation about contract renewals and the recent sacking of two La Liga managers, Arrasate remains focused on the task at hand rather than any potential job security implications of a cup run.
One thing’s certain - the man from the Basque Country isn’t ready to sacrifice any silverware opportunities just yet. Cup and league double? That’s the sort of ambition we like to see from a proper football man.