Rise and Strategy: José's Plan for Mallorca

Tiago, you need to learn how to read the game. Always keep an eye on your teammates' movements while you're on the pitch. As soon as you receive the ball, quickly pass it to the right person at the right time. Don't forget: you're a midfielder. I know you played as a left midfielder in Brazil, but now I want you in central midfield. It's not just about focusing on one side of the pitch. You need to follow everything that's happening — three dimensions, not just one. Think, you understand? Playing with your brain will bring you much more joy than relying solely on your legs."

Motta nodded. Back in Brazil, he played in left midfield, but after arriving at Mallorca, José moved him to a central role. At first, he didn't understand why, but after six months, he was starting to adapt.

"You're not the fastest player, you're not made for a pure winger role. You're better suited to a more versatile role, combining central and wide play. You have the physicality to do it – to waste that by not becoming a complete midfielder would be a mistake."

"In the middle, you can dictate play and make forward runs when needed. These runs will always put pressure on the opposition. You will be much more valuable as a midfielder contributing to both attack and defence than as a player who just sits up front."

"Being the brains of the midfield may not be glamorous, but it is crucial."

José's words stuck with Motta. He constantly stressed similar points to Luke's too.

"You are a striker, but your style is different to Diego. He is physically stronger and a natural goalscorer. Don't be discouraged – you have your own strengths. Your technique and agility are better, and you are more versatile. You can even contribute on the wings."

"Be a complete striker. It will benefit you and the team."

"Not every striker needs to work solely on finishing. Work on your passing and playmaking skills too – you'll see the difference."

With José's guidance, Motta and Luke's performances steadily improved in Mallorca's B team. They played in the Spanish second division, which, while preventing promotion to La Liga, allowed them to shine in the mid-table. Despite not making the promotion zone, they were much better than the previous season, when they barely avoided relegation.

This stark contrast to the first team's performance made Alemani realise that it was time for his son to take the reins of the first team. The mid-season changes had been difficult, and Mallorca had struggled to find a reputable coach. Bringing in a B team coach or assistant seemed the best option. After all, the gap between Mallorca's first team in La Liga and the second team's progress made it hard for anyone to argue with the decision.

"What? You just want to be a temporary solution for six months?" Alemani was shocked by his son's response.

"Exactly, Dad. Just six months. My job is to keep the team going. After that, I'll go back to the youth team and continue coaching there," José replied with a smile.

"Why is that?" Alemani was puzzled. Most coaches aspired to move from youth or assistant coach to the first team, as it brought prestige and a much higher salary. José's current salary as a youth coach was around $100,000, while leading the first team would probably earn him at least $500,000. Alemani knew his son wasn't struggling financially…

"Dad, can we talk in private? Not as club president and youth coach, but just as father and son?" José suddenly asked.

Alemani hesitated, but nodded. "Okay."

In private, without the usual roles, they could talk freely.

"What kind of club do you think Mallorca is?" José asked after they were seated.

"The only professional club on the island. Mallorca's greatest pride," Alemani replied without thinking twice.

José smiled. "From a fan's perspective, of course. But let's look at it from another angle."

Alemani nodded. "Go ahead."

"It's a club with little potential for growth," José said casually. "Let's break down the club's structure. The Asensio family owns 60 percent of the shares, Vicente Grandé owns 30 percent, and the rest is divided among a handful of smaller shareholders. Except for a few small ones, none of the shareholders are from Mallorca. For them, the club is just a tool to generate dividends. As long as Mallorca is profitable, they don't care about anything else."

Alemani opened his mouth to argue, but realized he couldn't refute his son's point. Management had always operated this way. Even in the transfer market, they made a profit every year, which went straight to the shareholders as dividends. Mallorca's situation hadn't changed much in years...

"Don't forget, we're just working for them," sighed A.