Argentinian midfielder Claudio Yacob of West Bromwich Albion spoke to us about some of his feelings, and those of his team, prior to visiting Mallorca this coming August 6, for a game at the Iberostar Stadium.
What does your preseason consist of?
Our preseason is very special. For the second consecutive season, we spent the summer working predominantly in Austria, where we took part in the coach´s less-than common technique of placing us all on bikes. For players like me, we have had to adapt to this new style of preparing for the season, but we will do whatever the coaches ask, so we get on the bike and get to work. You have to keep in mind that the Premier League does not stop for the Christmas Holiday, our league lasts 10 months without interruption and we have to prepare the body and mind to withstand this marathon.
What do you have think about coming to play in Mallorca?
We are very excited because we know that Mallorca is a big team in Spain. I have known about the club for quite some time because in Argentina we really follow the Spanish league, and I know that Mallorca has had some historical moments. Sure, the descent has hurt, but the club is working and planning to return to the highest level and deserves to do so, with the best of Spain. We are very pleased to be visiting the stadium and soon we will analyze the RCDM style of play, to try and prepare for the game. I know some of their players are dangerous on the ball and so, we will have to take advantage of the counterattacks, which until now, has been a highlight of our play.
How would you encourage the fans to come to the stadium on August 6?
First of all, I would tell them that players always need their support, whether it is a preseason game or a final. For the Mallorcan players it will be very important to see that the people are there and with them from the beginning. Additionally, for this particular occasion, I believe that the people have to know what an attractive game it will be! A game between a Spanish team and an English one is a fantastic combination, because the style of play differs greatly and because both teams are world renown. For us, it is enticing to think about and I suppose that the Mallorcan players feel the same. For the crowd, I would tell them that it will be a good game of soccer and that the teams are excited to come and play!
What do you expect from the game?
We hope to compete well and we hope that everybody playing and watching has fun. We start playing league games very soon and this will be an important test. For us the game is special because it is very exciting to play in Spain, and more so, against a historic club like Mallorca. We hope for a beautiful game against an opponent who plays quality soccer. I know that you all have had Argentinians on the team and they have always said very good things.
So how about the Premier League? What are some of your team´s objectives for the 2016/17 season?
I believe that the Premier League offers a bit of everything. This past season demonstrated that a humble team can rise up and win it all, so the favorites have to fight more than ever. This summer, most of the teams have reinforced, with new players coming in to heighten the competition even more. It will be a very competitive season. That said, our first objective is to compete as best as possible to stay in the division and earn more than 40 points. If this goes well, then we can talk about bigger, higher numbers and, why not try and beat the 2012/13 season record when the team finished eighth. Also, we want to think about the Cups, competing in more than one competition is a beautiful thing. But first, we have to work well and adhere to the cliché “one game at a time.”
