Granada CF vs Mallorca preview - Manzano heaps praise on Mallorca
Posted Sunday, March 03, 2013 by PA
Mallorca coach Gregorio Manzano has praised his players for the positive attitude they have shown while preparing for their trip to Granada on Sunday.
The coach has adopted innovative methods to motivate his team for the Primera Division match against Lucas Alcaraz's side, including making players wear bibs with messages of encouragement printed on them, such as `ambition' and `we can do it'.
"The players have been doing a marvellous job day in, day out - there's a great atmosphere in the team and there is a feeling that we are ready to face Granada with complete security," he said in a press conference.
Manzano insisted he was only interested in leaving Granada with the three points and demanded that his players show the same attitude they showed in Valencia two weeks ago, a match they dominated despite losing 2-0.
"The mentality had to be the same as it was in Valencia, we have to go out to try and win the game, we can't afford to do anything else," he said.
He also believes that a full Los Carmenes stadium will motivate his own players, as well as Granada's.
Manzano said: "I like games with that type of atmosphere and I think the players do too. It won't affect us negatively.
"Granada will be roared on by their fans but we need to be motivated by the fact that, although we will be alone in the stadium, our fans will be cheering us on back here in Mallorca and giving us the strength to win the match."
Granada coach Alcaraz has warned that Mallorca will be more motivated to win the game than his side because of their desperate situation - they are currently 19th in the Primera Division table.
Alcaraz said: "We expect Mallorca are viewing the game with great importance. They are a physical side, with players who are strong and quick."
He called on his players to go out and attack on the day, adding: "We have to approach the game seriously and be ambitious.
"We've scored four goals in the last four games. Our forwards need to improve their numbers, I hope everyone will contribute."
And he insisted that last weekend's defeat to Celta Vigo would not prove crucial to how Granada finish the season.
"No-one likes to lose, but I don't believe in decisive moments in a season, unless they are truly decisive," he said.
Granada full-back Allan Nyom is suspended for the match, and his place will be taken by Juanma Ortiz.
Mallorca centre-back Geromel has torn a hamstring and will not be able to play against Granada.
His absence could see the return of Andreu Fontas to the starting line-up, while Pedro Bigas and Anderson Conceicao are also options for Manzano.
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