Mallorca vs Valencia preview - Emery seeks revenge

Posted Saturday, March 05, 2011 by PA

Valencia coach Unai Emery goes into the Primera Division clash at Real Mallorca eager to make up for his two greatest disappointments in charge of the club.

Valencia lost 3-2 at Mallorca towards the end of last season and 3-1 there the year before in what was Emery's first season in charge at the Mestalla.

"My two greatest disappointments as coach of Valencia have come at Mallorca," he said. "Therefore, this is the game which motivates me the most in the whole season."

Valencia lost 1-0 at home to Barcelona on Wednesday, but Emery claims his team are already over that defeat.

"We have already digested the Barcelona result," he said. "Now the points against Mallorca are very important."

Emery will be without midfielder David Albelda and winger Joaquin Sanchez, while Hedwiges Maduro and Jeremy Mathieu are doubtful.

Striker Aritz Aduriz has made a speedy return from injury, however, and will travel to Mallorca.

"He has shown a great mindset," Emery said. "He has worked so hard to get back and has managed it on his own - those kind of players are admirable."

Following the midweek fixtures, Valencia are now just one point above regional rivals Villarreal. But Emery is unconcerned at the possibility of being overtaken by the Yellow Submarine.

"Valencia are always looking up and not down," Emery said. "If anything, we will aim to get second place."

Mallorca moved up to 10th place in the table following Tuesday night's fine 2-1 win at Espanyol.

"After beating Espanyol we can breathe easier," striker Pierre Webo said.

His side have a nine-point cushion over the relegation zone.

Coach Michael Laudrup is remaining cautious, though.

"We have 34 points and we need eight more," he said.

Midfielder Jonathan de Guzman has shaken off a knock and could start.