Mallorca boss opens up on facing Barcelona in La Liga opener – ‘They are in great form'
Speaking to the media, the 47-year-old addressed several topics, including the challenge of taking on Hansi Flick's side and the special situation of Pablo Torre, who will face his former club.
From the very start, Arrasate acknowledged the difficulty of the task ahead. 'With a perfect match, it goes without saying that they are the league champions. They have had a good pre-season, and I think they are in great form,' he said.
He stressed that Mallorca must be at their best defensively while still looking to attack. 'We have to get closer to our best version and it all depends on defending well against a team that is capable of creating many scoring chances in attack.
'Today they have normalised that in any game they can score four or five goals against any opponent and that is one of the keys, but we also have to attack them and to do so we must be fluid with the ball. In short, we have to get closer to excellence.'
Mallorca's tactical approach
Arrasate outlined how Mallorca could look to exploit Barcelona tactically. 'Barça stifles you a lot when you play the ball out, you see a lot of space behind their defense, but it's not easy to reach,' he admitted.
He noted their tactical flexibility, adding, 'We'll see how they play. They start with a 4-3-3, but then they often modify that formation and use a three-man formation, almost a 3-2-5, and that's where we have to adjust with the midfielders.
'It's not easy, but if we're playing in a zonal position, if we're doing well, it's easier to intervene.'
Pablo Torre's return
Pablo Torre will face Barcelona as a Mallorca player. (Photo by)
Speaking about Pablo Torre, who joined Mallorca this summer with Barcelona retaining a buy-back clause, Arrasate was full of praise.
'He has adapted very well, he's a player who suits us wonderfully. The other day, he had a great game against Hamburg.
'He's very motivated because he likes to play, to be a protagonist and I understand that since it's Barça, it will be special for him.
'We've talked a little about what Barça is all about. I see him very excited about this project, with this challenge of being important at Mallorca, and I hope he shows that from day one.'
La Liga in Miami
Finally, on the Villarreal-Barça match being played in Miami, Arrasate responded with a touch of sarcasm. 'I have some friends in Miami, some good pelotari who're still there, and I'm sure they've taken it as good news.'
On a serious note, he added, 'I don't like it, but it's what I said before: there are clubs, and we're part of it. The garrison has been eating its fill for a while.
'If we think there are things that need to change, we have to transfer it to the club, and the club has to go to LaLiga. I think things have to be done differently.'
Source: Mundo Deportivo
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