New Mallorca coach Gregorio Manzano has said he believes his squad have the quality required to save themselves from relegation come the end of the season.
Manzano, who takes charge of the Islanders for the third time in his career after previous spells during the 2002-03 season and from 2006-10, was appointed following the sacking of Joaquin Caparros on Monday.
And despite a run of four consecutive league defeats that has left them second-bottom of the table and four points from safety, Manzano is still confident they can maintain their top-flight status.
"I know the place and some of the squad. Moreover, I know the goal. We need commitment to save the team and continue for another year in the First Division," he told reporters.
"I know this squad, there are players that I have managed before, but I need to analyse it in full. We need players at 120 percent. This squad has the quality and commitment to stay in the top flight."
The 56-year-old also expressed his joy at returning to a club he said feels like a home.
"It is a return to a home that in a professional sense has been everything for me," he said.
"When the rumour spread about my return it reminded me of six years ago. You never know where your profession may take you. It could have been to another place, but I feel very proud."
Manzano won the Copa del Rey with Mallorca in 2003 and then guided the club to their highest league finish in the last 11 years in 2010, as they qualified for the Europa League by virtue of finishing fifth.
However, he has endured a harder time since as he left Sevilla after just one season in charge in 2011 before being sacked after six months in his last post at Atletico Madrid.
Source: AFP
