Sevilla's Mallorca trip hits turbulence as technical issues ground flight
Almeyda's squad forced to delay travel plans to Mallorca due to aircraft problems, opting for Monday morning journey rather than late Sunday alternative.
Sevilla’s travel plans to face Mallorca have been thrown into disarray after technical problems with their aircraft forced a last-minute change of schedule.
Travel troubles
The Sevilla expedition, including all 23 players selected by gaffer Matías Almeyda, were set to jet off to the Balearic Islands on Sunday evening ahead of their upcoming clash with Mallorca. But as is the way with Spanish football sometimes, nothing’s ever straightforward, is it?
According to the club’s official channels, a technical issue with the plane has scuppered their original travel arrangements. Rather than scrambling for a replacement flight on Sunday, the club brass have made the sensible decision to prioritize the players’ rest and recovery.
Monday morning madness
Instead of a rushed Plan B on Sunday, the squad will now:
- Spend Sunday night at the training ground facilities
- Fly out to Mallorca on Monday morning
- Have less preparation time in Mallorca before the match
It’s hardly ideal preparation for a fixture between two sides desperately seeking a return to form. Both teams have managed just four points from their last 15 available, though Mallorca come into this one nursing their wounds after getting a proper hammering from Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano.
Transfer deadline day drama
The travel chaos couldn’t have come at a more interesting time, with February 2nd marking the closure of the winter transfer window. Sevilla have already bolstered their attacking options with the arrival of Franco-Argentine striker Neal Maupay, who’s been included in Almeyda’s squad for the trip.
Maupay will be hoping to make an immediate impact for his new employers, who could do with a bit of fresh blood up top to turn their fortunes around. Talk about baptism of fire - the poor geezer hasn’t even had a proper journey with the team yet and already experiencing the joys of Spanish football logistics!
With both sides desperate for points, this unexpected travel hiccup adds another layer of intrigue to what was already shaping up to be a proper six-pointer in the league table.