Interviews
MIÉ 27.01.2016
Mallorca lie 18th in the table with 23 points from 22 games, having climbed out of the relegation zone last weekend with a win over Alcorcon, on Fernando Vazquez's debut in the dugout.
"We are fifth from bottom and it is clear our target is to stay up. Fernando said it quite clearly after the victory the other day: we're nine wins away from maintaining our second division status and then we'll think about the summer," said Maheta in an interview with LaLiga.es.
"This is an important club, which is seeking a return to the glory years, but it's aware that the situation is very complicated. My job consists of putting Mallorca's interests first and recreating that sense of permanence for a club which is celebrating no less than 100 years of existence this year.
"It's a club that had to plan with what they had, and that was geared towards simple survival. Clearly, there are players who have failed to perform to their level and now what we have to do is get the best out of each one, identify areas for improvement and try to provide some other element that helps us to be a better team.
One of the club's greatest assets is their U19s team, which is having a great season in Group 3, and which lies just four points behind Espanyol, but with a 10-point advantage over FC Barcelona.
"We want to take care of the grass roots and provide the opportunity for children to play in their club, at home. We have no need to sell and we will make a clear investment in infrastructure and in training fields. This will allow us to be better on and off the field.
"Clearly, we're not here to speculate. If you look at the trajectory of Robert Sarver you will realize that this is a purely sporting decision. He said it very clearly: slowly but surely, Mallorca have to return to where they belong. We want to be a club like Villarreal, who have a model which is sustainable and they have a clear identity. We want to bring our 'know how' to Spain, and there are some elements that can be translated here.
"For us, the fans are key. We are trying to promote creative initiatives, seeking a balance between bringing in new people and our exisiting season-ticket holders. For example, the other day, each season-ticket holder that came with someone else who had paid €10 for a ticket, was entered into a draw for a trip to New York to watch a game between the Knicks and the Phoenix Suns. Another initiative is to allow fans to experience games from pitchside."
"If we are here, it is because of the work of LaLiga"
Finally, the Balearic Island club executive stressed the importance of the financial control exercised over LaLiga clubs, which gives foreign investors the necessary security.
"If we are here it is because of the work of LaLiga. For foreign investors, knowing that LaLiga has fixed financial control rules that must be met and that if you don't you get a sanction, gives them peace of mind. It's a very important part of the legal security framework.
"The historical achievement of ensuring that the audiovisual rights are sold collectively has made sure the pie is bigger for everyone, is more evenly distributed, and makes our competition a much better product."
© LALIGA - 2016