Will Martin Valjent Abandon the Sinking Ship? Mallorca Expects Star Departures After Relegation

The Balearic Islands club amassed 42 points, finishing 18th in the 20-team table. While two teams above them had the same points tally, Mallorca's fate was sealed by unfavorable head-to-head records against Levante and a worse goal difference with Osasuna Pamplona, against whom they drew 2-2 twice during the season.

According to coach Martin Demichelis, who led the team since late February, errors in the previous two matches away at Getafe (1-3) and Levante (0-2) were decisive in their relegation. The former Argentine international took responsibility, stating he was unsure if he would continue with the club. His contract was valid until the end of the season.

"After two defeats that condemned us to relegation, it hasn't been an easy week. Today's three points are pleasing, but they weren't enough. The players are devastated; they understand the situation. But it was a pleasure to work at this club," he was quoted by Marca.

The 30-year-old Valjent has a contract with the club until summer 2029, and if he stays, he will play in Spain's second-highest league for the third time. He first experienced it in the 2018/19 season when he joined the team from Chievo Verona. Mallorca then helped them gain promotion to La Liga.

Although they were relegated a year later, they secured promotion back to the top flight in the following season, where they spent five seasons. This marked their second-longest continuous spell among the elite, after the period from 1996 to 2013.

"We played an excellent last match, but we shouldn't have made mistakes against Getafe and Levante. However, the club operates excellently, and Mallorca will return," the coach added, admitting he expects some players to leave the squad after relegation.

Spanish media are primarily discussing Kosovan striker Vedat Muriqi, who finished second in the league's scoring charts with 23 goals, just two shy of Kylian Mbappe, and midfielder Samu Costa, who made Portugal's final squad for the World Cup.

Along with Mallorca, Oviedo and Girona also dropped out of the elite. Girona, who finished third two years ago and played in the Champions League for the first time in their history last year, saw their relegation confirmed by a 1-1 draw with Elche, who secured survival with 43 points. Girona had 41 points and finished second to last.

"This is very difficult for everyone – for the club, for the fans, for the entire province. Football often delivers such a blow, and what we should try to do is get back on our feet as soon as possible.

It's a tough moment; returning to the second division is a step backward. Our task today was to win. We tried, but it didn't work out. The dressing room is broken. I feel the most responsible," coach Michel declared to DAZN.

Girona dominated the match but conceded in the 39th minute from the visitors' only shot on target and could only manage an equalizer in the second half. "I don't know if I will continue here. We need to talk with the club management. I'm not even thinking about that right now. I've led this team for five years and tried to manage it as best as I could," the coach added.