RCD Mallorca stalwart launches furious attack on manager

RCD Mallorca are reeling following the fallout from the decision not to use veteran midfielder Dani Rodriguez at the Santiago Bernabeu. What seemed a rather innocuous choice from manager Jagoba Arrasate has become the major talking point at Son Moix.

Los Bermellones were trailing 2-1 in the final stages of their clash with Real Madrid, and with three minutes to go, Arrasate sent on new signing Jan Virgili for Manu Morlanes, hoping the former Barcelona man’s pace and one-on-one ability could create a late chance for him. It did not go down well with Rodriguez.

The 37-year-old put out a social media post after the match of his children at the Bernabeu, noting that they had done so to see him play. However he noted that you should ‘never expect anything from anyone’, and that a meritocracy at the club was ‘lacking.’

“I traveled with my children’s hopes of seeing their father play at the Bernabeu. An important lesson and piece of advice for them: Never expect anything from anyone, especially these days, when meritocracy, culture, and respect for hard work are so lacking. Don’t do things expecting something in return; do it for yourself and your passion.”

“People’s respect and affection are earned on the pitch. Sacrifice yourself for your dreams, even if they put obstacles in your way, and always believe in yourself. Things are earned, not given. And when you earn them, they taste twice as good. I love you, family. You’re the best.”

On Monday night, after some cooling off, Rodriguez put out a second statement on the matter. He noted that he was not concerned with not playing, and nor did he have a right to do so more than anyone else, declaring that he deeply respects the decisions of Arrasate. However the veteran midfielder continued to implicitly criticise his manager, noting that he ‘cannot accept the lack of respect for commitment and dedication’, and that ‘it sends a terrible message to the dressing room’, on the basis that Virgili had only just arrived at the club, while he had spent many years earning his opportunities.

Rodriguez did wish Virgili success, and noted his reaction came out in the wrong way, but seems to double down on his opinion. It seems Arrasate has a significant issue on his hands – the club and Arrasate have yet to respond to the matter.

“I feel obliged to clarify what happened so there are no misunderstandings, especially given the difficult time my family is going through. My anger had nothing to do with my children not being able to see me play, nor do I believe I have any more right than anyone else for that reason. Not playing doesn’t bother me; it’s something I’m used to after an entire career.”

“I understand and deeply respect that the decisions about who plays are solely and exclusively the coach’s. They are his responsibility, and I always abide by them. What I cannot accept is the lack of respect for commitment and dedication. It hurts me that a player who has just arrived, with just one training session, has the opportunity to play ahead of teammates who have spent years defending this jersey with sweat and dedication, always putting the club above all else.”

“I hope Jan succeeds here and we can all help him. But something like this happens sends a terrible message to the dressing room: work, dedication, or loyalty don’t matter. That’s what angered me. Due to all these years and the immense affection I have for this club and its people, sometimes I handle that frustration in the wrong way. I know I shouldn’t have made it public, but at that moment, passion won out over reason. I couldn’t control that frustration and I reacted that way; it was a thought out loud, visceral, born out of love for these colors,” he continued.

“My reaction may not have been the right one, but it came from passion and the frustration of not receiving any explanation or communication about it. There was no other intention. Let it be clear: this is the club of my life. I have always given and will always give my all for this shirt. I only ask that that same commitment be respected. On Saturday, that respect wasn’t there.”