I Am Jose-Chapter 103 - : A New Image

For Mallorca's fans, this Christmas and winter break have been far more pleasant than last year.

Last winter, Mallorca's situation was far worse; most importantly, the fans saw no future—no sign that the team could ever improve. But this year? As soon as José returned, he steadied the team's slump with a four-game winning streak. Moreover, during the winter transfer window the club splurged over US $10 million on new signings. That injection of funds gave the fans hope that the club was finally turning a corner—even though they had supported the team unconditionally before, they had grown disappointed every time the club sold players. This winter, for the first time in recent years, Mallorca has spent more on transfers than it has earned!

The last time the club's spending exceeded its income was that summer when Mallorca had just been promoted to La Liga...

Because of this, the fans now brim with hope for Mallorca's future performances—even if they face Barcelona immediately, their flame of optimism will not be extinguished!

"Barcelona? What do they matter! Last season, under José's leadership, we beat them 3–0 on the road. As long as we have José at the helm, we'll never lack victories!"

In contrast, Barcelona's form this season is a far cry from last season's. After Luís Figo's departure, their new signings—Ouvemas and Petit—have been rather mediocre. Even Gerard, who had shone at Valencia last season, has been dull this year. And after Louis van Gaal's exit, his replacement, Ferrer, has exhibited only average control over the team. Following the departure of Dutch goalkeeper Heispe, Barcelona hasn't been able to find a reliable replacement; neither French shot-stopper Ditrul nor the homegrown talent Reina inspires confidence.

After sixteen rounds, although Barcelona still sit fourth in the league, they trail league leaders Real Madrid by eight points. Last season, despite winning no trophies, Barcelona at least entered the latter half of the season with realistic hopes of clinching both the league and the Champions League. But what about this season?

Van Gaal's influence, built up over three years, is not easily erased—his "Dutch network" still forms the largest contingent at Barcelona. Ferrer's policy of relying on homegrown players has won over many fans, yet the results have taken a huge hit. What's even more worrisome is that Rivaldo—who recently secured the world's highest annual salary in his new contract—has begun to show inconsistency. When in form, he can sweep Leeds aside and even record a hat-trick at San Siro; when off his game, he can disappear for 90 minutes.

In the Champions League, Barcelona had once steamrolled Leeds 4–0 in the first leg, only to eventually finish third in their group—after losses to the weakest team in the group, Besiktas, and a series of draws—and be consigned to the UEFA Cup. Finally, during the winter break, Gaspart could no longer tolerate Ferrer's clumsy performances and fired him. Then, the assistant coach, Reixach—who had rescued Barcelona on three previous occasions—was brought back to salvage the team. His task was simple: lead the team in a charge for both the league title and the UEFA Cup.

Reixach's first match in charge was an away game against Mallorca.

This season, Barcelona is virtually being rebuilt, and Mallorca, too, is nearing a complete overhaul this winter. Two teams, neither in their best form, clashing under these circumstances is as much a matter of luck as it is misfortune.

It's fortunate that the opposition seems to be in poor shape; yet if they lose, the pressure on them might become even greater.

At this point, José has been closely following developments. He noted that after Van Gaal's departure, José Mourinho—having clearly decided he no longer needed to stay at Barcelona—returned to Portugal and quickly landed his first head-coaching job at Benfica this season. Unfortunately, after only nine games, despite decent results, Benfica held a presidential election. Due to differences in vision with the new chairman, Mourinho chose to leave.

José watched this entire series of events with interest. When Mourinho resigned from Benfica, José even toyed with the idea of having Mourinho serve as his assistant coach. However, knowing full well that Mourinho is not one to subordinate himself, José dismissed the idea. Natal might not be a world-class coach, but he's thoughtful and, as an assistant, can help José a great deal. As for Mourinho—let him go his own way; perhaps in a few years, José might even come up against the teams he leads—Porto, Chelsea, and so on.

But the immediate challenge before José is the Barcelona of the post–Van Gaal era.

José is well aware that Barcelona is at one of its most vulnerable points. The period following Figo's departure is likely to be the darkest in Barcelona's recent history. However, Figo has only just left; though the proverbial "scrawny camel" of Barcelona still stands tall, they must be dealt with properly if we hope to win today's match.

On January 6, at Son Moix Stadium, after more than half a month's winter break, the new La Liga season is about to ignite once again!

Mallorca's fans have flocked from all corners of the island to Son Moix Stadium. According to what old Alemani has learned, the tickets for this match were completely sold out—even many fans requested standing tickets. After some thought, old Alemani rejected this seemingly enthusiastic request. In reality, if standing tickets were allowed, the stadium might see up to 30,000 fans streaming in—a practice that would not only yield little revenue but also impose tremendous safety risks on the stadium's facilities. Old Alemani isn't some miser who'd risk his life for money; he knows how to balance priorities.

But old Alemani wasn't idle. He had the club's staff set up several television screens around the stadium to comfort the fans who couldn't get into the arena. At that moment, he began to see the wisdom in what his son had been saying—if Mallorca were to have its own stadium, even opening a bar around it on matchdays could bring in additional revenue for the club!

Alas, Son Moix Stadium belongs to the local council...

Feeling a tinge of regret, old Alemani also recalled his son's words: "Don't worry, take it slow."

"Yeah, take it slow. I'm in good health; someday I'll see that day," he thought as he stood in one of the private boxes at Son Moix, gazing down at the packed stands. Then, turning toward Barcelona's chairman Gaspart, he smiled warmly.

"Mr. Gaspart, I hope we can have a good result today," said old Alemani in his kindly tone.

Old Alemani isn't very old—just in his early fifties—but his naturally robust build makes him seem older. Nonetheless, in Spanish football circles, he has always been a respected figure. Gaspart, as chairman of FC Barcelona, has no choice but to show him proper respect.

"Indeed, Mr. Alemani, I truly envy you for having such a fine son," Gaspart replied with a smile.

That remark wasn't merely flattery. Since last season ended—with one of them serving as club president and the other as head coach—the Alemani father-son duo has become a legendary story on the Spanish scene. In life, when results are achieved, they become legend; when not, they turn into scandals.

Alemani chuckled and glanced toward the coaches' area. His pride swelled when he noticed that his son—whom he held in such high regard—had yet to appear beside the coaching bench.

At that very moment, José was in the home locker room, delivering his final team talk.

Over the past ten days, the entire Mallorca squad had been training earnestly. Though the period was short, the players' chemistry was gradually taking shape. Most importantly, the new signings had already left a strong impression on the veteran players.

There was Ronaldinho's dazzling technique, Eto'o's blistering pace, Karaze's determination, Capdevila's instinct for making forward runs, Camara's reliability, Campano's tireless work ethic, and Nino's intelligent off-the-ball movement... These attributes were the unique qualities the new players possessed. For the first time, the veteran players realized that their team now boasted a wealth of talented individuals with diverse, impressive skills.

Their positions would naturally face increased competition, but the veterans were not anxious—after all, their experience would always count for something.

"Today's match will be our declaration that Mallorca is back—the same team from two seasons ago that had the potential to challenge for the league title. We will prove by our performance that we belong among the top teams in La Liga. Barcelona is not as formidable as they were last season; besides, they assembled their squad later and haven't yet shaken off the winter break slump. Seize this opportunity! Let's defeat them in one fell swoop and announce our presence to all of Spain!"

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"Yes—absolutely!" The players responded by waving their fists in unison. No professional player lacks ambition; everyone aspires to win honors when part of a team with vision—even if, in the end, victory remains elusive, at least they can say they fought valiantly.

José was very clear in conveying his intent—the message was that Mallorca was a club with ambition, no longer the old team that merely cashed in on players and coasted through seasons.

For this match, José set his starting XI in a 4–4–2 formation: goalkeeper Franco; right-back George; center-backs Nadal and Camara; left-back Karaze; midfielders Ngonga and Mota forming the double pivot; left winger Ronaldinho; right winger Ibáñez; and forwards Luke and Eto'o.

However, in previous training sessions, José had already determined Ronaldinho's role as a "free-roaming forward." Although his nominal position was left winger, in reality his role would be fluid. The left flank's gaps would be filled by either Karaze—who would surge forward to provide assists—or by Luke drifting wide. The right side of the attack would be handled by Ibáñez and George. Moreover, aside from organizing play from deep, Ngonga and Mota were also responsible for covering the flanks.

José's decision to pair Camara with Nadal at center-back was based on the fact that Barcelona's attacks were primarily conducted on the ground. Although Camara wasn't tall, his ability to defend on the ground was exceptional, providing an added layer of security. In addition, three of the four defenders possessed impressive speed and the ability to sprint back into position, giving José the confidence to commit to a more offensive approach. Last season, Mallorca's reliance on counterattacks was largely due to their defenders' inability to perform in a more aggressive, pressing style. Now, with more attacking talent and new defensive reinforcements, José intends to showcase a different side of himself—one that is not content merely to follow conventional wisdom.

A new Mallorca, a new José—together, we will present a new image to everyone!