Arrasate Could Return to a Three-Center-Back Defense for Balaídos

RCD Mallorca

The plan running through the coach’s mind is to reinforce the back line of the RCD Mallorca with a five-man defense and three center-backs, an option he already used when the start of the season went awry. The figure of 39 goals conceded, which makes the team the second most scored against in the league alongside Sevilla, has reopened the internal debate about the system.

Forced Adjustments and a Recent Precedent

At the start of the season, when results stopped accompanying, Arrasate — accustomed to the four-man line — turned to that structure to seek greater stability. At that time, the early injury to Marash Kumbulla and the coach’s lack of confidence in David López limited the options available.

After that disappointing start, the coach admitted in a press conference that he had «betrayed himself» with certain tactical decisions in an attempt to correct course. The subsequent reaction partially relieved the situation, although the team remained near the relegation zone.

Raíllo, David López, and the Rival’s Context

With the team now third from bottom and in need of wins, the possible return to the three-central defender formation gains strength for several reasons: the recovery of Raíllo from his clavicle injury, the performance offered by David López in recent matches, and the defensive fragility shown, especially by Maffeo and Mojica.

The match scenario also influences this. Claudio Giráldez’s RC Celta de Vigo tends to fill the area with many players and frequently uses that formation. In this context, Arrasate considers that with three center-backs —with the possibility of placing David López on the right and Valjent on the left— the backs of the fullbacks can be better protected and the chances that have been penalizing the team in recent weeks can be reduced.