Valverde: "Mallorca are a very competitive team"

Ernesto Valverde feels RCD Mallorca's great start to the season "is no surprise" as Athletic get ready to face Jagoba Arrasate's side on Monday night (21:00 CET).

Los Bermellones are currently one place behind Athletic in sixth but have the same number of points.

"They're sticking to the identity that has made them an extremely competitive team," Valverde said about Monday night's opponents.

"Mallorca have very strong players in the air, good shooters, and a midfield that plays very well and brings dynamism to matches.

"They have very good numbers at home. They concede very few goals and it's difficult to break through their defensive line.

"It was this way last year too, and they're still a very solid team that works hard and defends together.

"They also make the most of their goals. The wall of players they have when defending has always been difficult for us to break down and we'll have to be especially attentive."

According to Valverde, new coach Jagoba Arrasate's work is already bearing fruits at Mallorca and he believes they'll be a contender for European qualification.

The gaffer said: "I think they have a chance, just like the others. There is a lot of competition in LaLiga and anyone can finish higher or lower. They've started well, so have we, but we want to be better.

"Jagoba's results speak for themselves. He achieved a lot at CA Osasuna and it's no suprise that things at RCD Mallorca are going well for him. Jagoba is a leading coach in LaLiga."