Mallorca manager discusses Real Madrid’s changes under Alonso – ‘They’ve been very dominant’ | OneFootball

After back-to-back wins against Osasuna and Real Oviedo in La Liga, Real Madrid will gear up for their strongest challenge yet as they take on RCD Mallorca in their third match.

The two sides are set to face each other on Saturday night, with Mallorca coming on the back of just a point in two games.

Mallorca, though, were able to hold off Real Madrid until the 87th minute last season and are looking for a similar performance this time out, as per coach Jagoba Arrasate.

What Arrasate said before the Real Madrid match

“The idea is to repeat a bit in terms of being in the game and being competitive. Although this Real Madrid is different, and surely Mallorca’s too.

“The key is not to get out of the game because in 5 or 10 minutes you can be out of the game, and you have to be there to have a chance,” the Mallorca coach (h/t AS) said before the Real Madrid game.

Talking about Real Madrid’s transformation under the leadership of new manager Xabi Alonso, the Mallorca coach admitted the team has improved in certain areas.

“They have more order with the ball, and that order allows them to avoid allowing their opponents to make transitions,” he said.

Talking about Real Madrid’s pressing, Arrasate added that Mallorca may have to track back a lot this weekend.

“They press well after losing a ball, and in just two games, that’s already becoming clear. They’ve been very dominant, and their opponents haven’t even created any chances. We’ll try to make them have to run backwards.” he added.

Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid has appeared a lot more disciplined. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Arrasate added that being a perfectionist has to be vital when facing a team like Real Madrid.

“On these pitches, you need to be close to perfection, and that means defending very well, in a united way, because they have many arguments to score, and then, in attack, you have to be effective,” he said.

He also emphasised Real Madrid’s defensive improvement, adding, “Madrid hasn’t conceded a goal, they’ve conceded very little, their opponents haven’t given them any pressure, and they’re doing all of that very well.”

The Mallorca coach went on to talk about the team’s most recent signing, Jan Virgili, who has joined the club on a permanent deal and is expected to become a smart long-term investment.

“He’s fine and he’s on the squad list because he can help us , and I’m very happy because he’s a player we’ve wanted for a long time, and I’m personally very happy with his signing,” he said about the former Barcelona prodigy.

“Regarding the rest of the transfer market, we’re open to anything we can do to improve,” he added.

“This is the last game with the open market , what a coach wants is to know which players he will have and what we can’t stand is the uncertainty,” he further added, implying that Mallorca might still want to play around in the market.