A change of coach is always an opportunity for players who had fallen out of favour, and Real Mallorca’s appointment of Luis García to replace Martín Demichelis could change the outlook for several members of the squad.
Demichelis’ brief spell
The Argentine coach’s time at Son Moix was short. He left the club after relegation, reportedly to join RB Leipzig, leaving several players uncertain about their futures on the island.
His successor, the Asturian coach Luis García, who took Las Palmas to the Segunda División play-offs last season, has a reputation for building organised, competitive teams and will lead the club’s attempt to return to LaLiga at the first attempt.
Toni Lato
The left-back barely featured under Demichelis, starting only two of 12 matches. The decision to start Luis Orejuela ahead of him against Getafe was seen as a clear sign he was not in the coach’s plans.
Lato has an offer from Hertha Berlin for two years, and had been considering leaving. But if García shows confidence in him during pre-season, he could decide to stay and fight for his place in the Segunda División.
Matthew James
The right-back started only once under Demichelis. With Pablo Maffeo having left for Olympiacos, James is now the only natural right-back in the squad, which gives him a real opportunity to become a regular if he impresses in pre-season.
Others hoping for a chance
- Antonio Sánchez, the Mallorcan midfielder, who played little last season and wants a bigger role.
- Abdón Prats, the local striker, who could get more minutes if García opts for a more attacking approach.
- Lucas Bergström, the goalkeeper, who could compete for the starting place if Leo Román leaves.
New signings
The club’s transfer plans will also shape who plays. One name linked with the club is Estanis Pedrola, a winger who was reportedly on the sporting director’s list and is said to be a priority for the new coach, who worked with him at Las Palmas. His arrival would add pace and creativity in wide areas.
What comes next
Pre-season training and friendlies will give the first clues about García’s plans. For players like Lato and James, the next few weeks could decide whether they have a future at the club — or whether they look for one elsewhere.
