Osasuna v Real Mallorca

La Liga, Jornada #6
Saturday 1st October 2011, 5pm kick off BST 

So life for Mallorca begins post-Laudrup. But rather than a bright future, things look bleaker than ever. Assistant Coach Miguel Àngel Nadal makes his managerial debut as caretaker boss as Los Bermellones travel to face Osasuna in Pamplona. And it’s fair to say there are a few off the field distractions. It’s not the best preparation.

It’s something which the squad of Real Mallorca are used to. It has been the backdrop of this team for many years. And even when players weren’t being payed and Board members threatened to be thrown out of windows, Gregorio Manzano still managed to steer his side to a fifth placed finish in 2009/2010. Rather unbelievably.

The players are staying out of this one too. Captain José Nunes said the team was ‘refusing to take sides’ between Laudrup, Larsen and the club. He said it is ‘like choosing between mum and dad’. No one, as yet, has commented on the Board falling out. Although La Federació de Peñas (Fanclub Federation) has commented on the situation, calling for the immediate resignation of Biel Cerdà after his comments. But more on that later.

Some would almost forget there is a football match going on.

Osasuna have had a similar start to Real Mallorca. Both have six points on the table. And the last time the two sides met in Pamplona, a Chori Castro equaliser saw Mallorca take a share of the spoils in a 1-1 draw. But the infighting at Mallorca makes Osasuna clear favourite for all three points in this game.

Nadal has taken 21 players to the mainland for his first game in charge. There is no Pablo Cáceres, who was injured in the 2-1 Real Sociedad victory last weekend, nor too does Kevin García travel. The young Spaniard was unfortunate to pick up an injury to miss out on the chance to deputise for Cáceres. B team left back Pedro Bigas has been called up to the first time and has been handed the number 28 shirt.

Despite Bigas’ inclusion, there is a chance that Pau Cendrós could play at left back instead. But the favourite for the role is stand-in captain Pep Martí who played there when Cáceres was taken off last week.

José Nunes travels with the team, but Mallorca are adamant he is unavailable for selection. So the thinking must be more along the lines of Nunes providing leadership and stability in the dressing room whilst the whirlwind continues to engulf the club.

With Laudrup gone, Chori Castro is expected to become more of a regular, and this shouldn’t change for Osasuna. He is going to play a big part if Mallorca are going to take something from this game.

Aouate

Zuiverloon – Ramis – Chico – Martí

Pina – Tejera

Nsue – Alfaro – Castro

Víctor

Squad

Goalkeepers: Aouate, Calatayud.
Defenders: Zuiverloon, Cendrós, Chico, Ramis, Martí Crespí, Nunes, Bigas.
Midfielders: Tejera, Pina, Tissone, Martí, João Victor, Aki, Pereira, Alfaro, Castro, Nsue.
Strikers: Víctor, Hemed.