Reial Mallorca, new era

Strugglling Real Mallorca face a relegation clash tomorrow as new manager Sergio Kresic picks his first team to face Rayo Vallecano, second from bottom in the league, and one place below Mallorca. Kresic, who replaced Bernd Krauss as Mallorca coach this week, will hope to see key midfielder Ariel Ibagaza recover in time for this clash. He will also be looking ahead to next week's crucial Champions League match against Arsenal at Highbury. Defeat for the locals would almost certainly mean their exit from the Champions League. But Kresic, known in Spain for his skill in guiding relegation strugglers to safety, is upbeat. The Croat believes that Mallorca has everything to play for. He has already won praise from fans for declaring that he wants nothing less than 100 percent commitment amid claims that some players were under-performing during Krauss' short, sharp reign. That's my work ethic and whoever doesn't understand that will have a hard time getting into my team. I am coming here to work hard. There is a long way to go in the league and in Europe.” Kresic said that even a draw in London next week would be a good result. Certain sections of the media have questioned his appointment claiming that Mallorca needed a more high profile manager with greater experience of Champions League football. Club President Mateo Alemany will be hoping that the Croat can guide Mallorca to more calmer waters but it is unlikely that the new manager will be giving extra cash to be spent on players. One of the criticisms of Mallorca this season has been that the team doesn't have the necessary depth in squad for both league and Champions League commitments. The brave new era being painted by the club places great emphasis on Kresic who has to fight on two fronts with only enough troops for one campaign.