Mallorca Suspends Captain Dani Rodríguez Following Public Criticism of Coach’s Decisions
Palma,Spain – Mallorca has suspended employment adn salary for captain Dani Rodríguez after the player publicly criticized coach Jagoba Arrasate’s decision to leave him on the bench during a recent match against Real Madrid,and afterward questioned the opportunities given to a younger teammate. the move comes amid a challenging start to the season for the Balearic Island club.
Rodríguez initially voiced his frustration on social media, lamenting that he traveled to the Bernabéu with his children hoping to play, and stating, “Lesson and critically important advice for them: never expect anything of anyone, and less today, when meritocracy, culture and respect for work shine for their absence.” He later followed up with a statement attempting to clarify his position, but instead further inflamed tensions.
The crux of Rodríguez’s complaint centered on 19-year-old Jan Virgili, a recent arrival from Barcelona, receiving playing time over more established players. “What I cannot accept is the lack of respect for commitment and dedication. It hurts that a player who has just arrived, with a single training, has the opportunity to play ahead of colleagues who have been defending this shirt with sweat and dedication, always putting the club above all,” rodríguez wrote.
The club reacted swiftly to the outspoken criticism. Rodríguez has been a key figure for Mallorca, contributing to two promotions to Primera División and their run to the 2024 Copa del rey final, where they lost to athletic.
The situation has reportedly impacted the Mallorca dressing room, with Virgili said to be “very touched” by the public rebuke and Arrasate finding himself under scrutiny.Mallorca currently sits 18th in La liga with one point from nine possible, following losses to Barcelona and Madrid, and a home draw against Celta.