Midfielder excited for Spanish trip
CLAUDIO Yacob believes Saturday’s pre-season fixture with RCD Mallorca provides the Baggies with an “important test” against a “big team in Spain.”
Albion face the Segunda Division side at the Iberostar Stadium on Saturday, August 6 (ko 9pm/8pm UK) in what will be the club’s final friendly before the start of the 2016/17 Premier League season.
“Los Bermellones”, who competed in the UEFA Champions League in 2001/02 and also won the Copa del Rey in 2003, will be hoping to secure promotion back to La Liga having spent the previous three years outside Spain’s top flight.
Yacob is familiar with Spanish football due to its popularity in Argentina and the midfielder is excited to pit his wits against a club which has enjoyed some “historical moments.”
He said: “We are very excited because we know that Mallorca is a big team in Spain.
“I have known about the club for some time because in Argentina we follow the Spanish league and Mallorca has had some historical moments.
“Their descent has hurt but they are planning to return to the highest level and they deserve to do so.
“A game between a Spanish team and an English team is a fantastic combination because of the differences in style and speed of play.
“We start our Premier League campaign exactly one week after the Mallorca game so it will be a very important test for us.
“The match is very special for us because it is exciting to play in Spain, and more so, against a historic club like Mallorca.