Real coach

Within minutes of Real Mallorca being drawn against Slovan Liberec Czech Republic in the third round of the UEFA Cup, the club's directors threw their full support behind new coach Sergio Kresic. Real Mallorca chairman Mateo Alemany, assured the press yesterday that the board of directors have unanimously agreed to offer Kresic a contract and believe that he is the man to keep Mallorca in the first division. Mateo Alemany added that Mallorca have shown clear signs this week that the side is recovering from its poor start to the season. Alemany said that apart from the problems with the previous German coach, having to play a game every three days, because of Champions League commitments, tired the players out. Mallorca are struggling in the league but Kresic is confident that morale is on the rise and the players are focused on this weekend's home game against Tenerife. Alemany also confirmed that he is looking to boost the side next month and already has his eyes on signing Real Oviedo's goalkeeper Roberto Losada. Real Mallorca crashed to a 4-0 defeat at Osasuna last time out in the league and, although they secured a UEFA Cup place with their midweek win against Panathinaikos, they have only won once at home in the league this season. Tenerife are finding life no easier and have struggled since their return to the top flight. Mallorca have only won one home league game this season, but that was Kresic's debut match in charge of the demoralised side.