Years in the Making. Will He Leave Mallorca After Relegation? Valjent: "I'm the Captain, I Feel Responsible!"

The Slovak national team is set to play two home friendly matches in June. Slovakia will first host Malta in Dunajská Streda, followed by a clash against Montenegro in Košice.

Relegation from La Liga was a massive blow for Mallorca. The Balearic Islands club amassed a respectable 42 points this season, a tally that historically has almost always been enough to secure survival. The last time a team with such a points total was relegated was back in 2009.

"It's tough to accept. After five years, we're relegated again. It was a challenging, balanced season, but it's a fact and a reality. I have to show professionalism and, starting from today's training, immediately adjust myself to be ready to help the team," Martin Valjent candidly began.

The experienced 30-year-old defender has been with Mallorca for eight years, establishing himself as a club icon. This makes the end of their top-flight journey even more disheartening for him.

"I believed in a project that was heading in a certain direction. I think many things weren't done correctly. The responsibility lies with everyone, and as one of the captains, I accept it. The reality is that our club will be in the second division, and we must learn from this," Valjent added.

Although the Slovak defender has a valid contract with Mallorca until summer 2029, his future at the club is uncertain following their relegation. However, he refuses to make hasty decisions.

"Honestly, I don't know yet. It's too early to address what comes next. I am a Mallorca player and captain, and I feel responsible. It will certainly be a summer where I'll have to make some decisions, if the opportunity arises. But first, I need to process this relegation. However, I haven't said my last word in the Spanish top flight. I believe I'll get another chance to play there, whether with Mallorca or somewhere else," he hopes.

The national team camp comes at the right time for Valjent. It's an opportunity to put club disappointment behind him and showcase his qualities for the national team, which is embarking on a new chapter under coach Vladimír Weiss.

"I'm looking forward to the new collaboration. Whenever a new phase begins with a new coach, it's a new experience that can give me a lot as a person and a player. I haven't experienced coach Weiss in my career until now; I've only followed his successes. I'm very excited to get to know him both professionally and personally," Valjent expressed his enthusiasm.

Journalists also asked him if Weiss might change the playing system after Francesco Calzona's departure, potentially giving Valjent a spot in the starting lineup. "I haven't thought about it that way. Every coach adapts to the typology of players they have. They add their own touch and system, but it's not easy to completely overhaul a team's tactical setup. I come here with the mindset of giving my maximum on and off the pitch."

With age, his position in the locker room naturally changes. Several young players from the domestic Niké Liga have been called up, and Valjent is ready to help them integrate into the team, just as he did in Spain.

"I'm around thirty, so responsibility comes naturally. For the lads from the league, it's a big chance. If I can help them with my experience from abroad, so they feel as good as possible here and enjoy the training sessions, I'll be very happy," Martin Valjent concluded with determination.