Chapter 103: A New Image
For Mallorca's fans, this Christmas and winter break have been far more pleasant than last year.
Last winter, Mallorca's situation was far worse; most importantly, the fans saw no future—no sign that the team could ever improve. But this year? As soon as José returned, he steadied the team's slump with a four-game winning streak. Moreover, during the winter transfer window the club splurged over US $10 million on new signings. That injection of funds gave the fans hope that the club was finally turning a corner—even though they had supported the team unconditionally before, they had grown disappointed every time the club sold players. This winter, for the first time in recent years, Mallorca has spent more on transfers than it has earned!
The last time the club's spending exceeded its income was that summer when Mallorca had just been promoted to La Liga...
Because of this, the fans now brim with hope for Mallorca's future performances—even if they face Barcelona immediately, their flame of optimism will not be extinguished!
"Barcelona? What do they matter! Last season, under José's leadership, we beat them 3–0 on the road. As long as we have José at the helm, we'll never lack victories!"
In contrast, Barcelona's form this season is a far cry from last season's. After Luís Figo's departure, their new signings—Ouvemas and Petit—have been rather mediocre. Even Gerard, who had shone at Valencia last season, has been dull this year. And after Louis van Gaal's exit, his replacement, Ferrer, has exhibited only average control over the team. Following the departure of Dutch goalkeeper Heispe, Barcelona hasn't been able to find a reliable replacement; neither French shot-stopper Ditrul nor the homegrown talent Reina inspires confidence.
After sixteen rounds, although Barcelona still sit fourth in the league, they trail league leaders Real Madrid by eight points. Last season, despite winning no trophies, Barcelona at least entered the latter half of the season with realistic hopes of clinching both the league and the Champions League. But what about this season?
Van Gaal's influence, built up over three years, is not easily erased—his "Dutch network" still forms the largest contingent at Barcelona. Ferrer's policy of relying on homegrown players has won over many fans, yet the results have taken a huge hit. What's even more worrisome is that Rivaldo—who recently secured the world's highest annual salary in his new contract—has begun to show inconsistency. When in form, he can sweep Leeds aside and even record a hat-trick at San Siro; when off his game, he can disappear for 90 minutes.
In the Champions League, Barcelona had once steamrolled Leeds 4–0 in the first leg, only to eventually finish third in their group—after losses to the weakest team in the group, Besiktas, and a series of draws—and be consigned to the UEFA Cup. Finally, during the winter break, Gaspart could no longer tolerate Ferrer's clumsy performances and fired him. Then, the assistant coach, Reixach—who had rescued Barcelona on three previous occasions—was brought back to salvage the team. His task was simple: lead the team in a charge for both the league title and the UEFA Cup.