Soler told it´s not personal

Real Mallorca boss Gregorio Manzano yesterday held a clear the air meeting with Miquel Soler and reiterated he had nothing personal against the veteran defender. Soler, playing in a record 20th season in the top flight, had a rare outing on Wednesday night when Mallorca drew 2-2 with Valladolid in the Copa del Rey, but has seen only 47 minutes of league action this season. The 37 year-old, a regular starter until this season, has played for a host of Spanish sides including Barcelona rivals Espanyol and Barça as well as Madrid rivals Real and Atletico. During his time with Barça, where he played alongside Gary Lineker, Soler won the Cup Winners' Cup. He has also won the Spanish league title twice, the Copa del Rey twice and has been capped nine times by Spain. However Soler's experience, and his ability to speed down the left flank, counted for nothing when Manzano took over as coach at the start of the season and replaced him with the younger Poli. According to Soler, Manzano has taken until now to explain the reasons why. Manzano called yesterday's meeting after constant media speculation over a personal dispute between the two. “Manzano told me the reason I was not playing on a regular basis is due to tactical reasons rather than anything personal he has against me,” Soler told reporters after the meeting. Despite Manzano's change of mind for Wednesday's Cup match Soler felt it was unlikely he would play in upcoming league games. “I don't think I'll get a game because in the league matches everything will return to normal. “On Wednesday in the first half I felt like a footballer again, although in the second half I was very tired which is normal after such a lengthy lay off,” added the likeable defender. One player who is likely to feature on Sunday against Rayo is Alvaro Novo who returns from a two match suspension following his red card against Barcelona last December.