Mallorca 2 - 1 Getafe

Mallorca v Getafe: Preview

Updated: May 2, 2009, 4:15 PM UK

Getafe coach Michel is confident his new team can avoid the drop and is looking forward to his first game in charge against in-form Mallorca.

The Azulones' 2-1 loss at home to Villarreal last weekend was the club's third straight defeat and cost coach Victor Munoz his job, with the club sitting just a point clear of the bottom three five games before the end of the season.

Former Real Madrid B coach Michel, who is set to make his top-flight managerial debut, has stepped into the breach and he has been impressed by what he has seen from his new players so far.

"Their work has been so good that we need more shirts, it's very difficult to decide who to play,'' he said. "There are 20 players available between suspensions and injuries, and it won't be easy.

"That is fantastic for a coach. They have understood perfectly my message and I have to be grateful.

"I have very versatile players who can adapt to various circumstances. I believe that with their effort and with the system of play that we will be using, they can adapt to this circumstance.

"I believe the footballers have understood that very well.

"We are in the hands of the players and they have a great ability. I was much more nervous before my debut in the third division with Rayo Vallecano and with Real Madrid reserves because now I'm seeing quality

However, Michel knows he faces the trickiest of tests against Mallorca who have undergone a resurgence of late to all but clinch their Primera Division future.

"They've gone from an almost desperate situation to assuring safety,'' he added. "They're a good team.

"But we're going to go there to win.

"We're not going to gamble, above all we need the players to be aware and to be capable of understanding what we have to do.

"If they do that result will be better.''

Mario Cotelo and Adrian Gonzalez, barely used by Manzano, have been named in Michel's first squad. Fabio Celestini and Mario Alvarez are injured while Rafael Lopez is suspended.

Mallorca's late charge last season saw the islanders move well clear of the relegation zone and finish the season in seventh place, and a similar thing is happening this term.

Gregorio Manzano's side sat bottom of the league at the beginning of the year, but an incredible run of form in recent weeks has seen the club move away from the drop zone and into the top half of the table.

Mallorca has now lost just one game in 11 and last weekend's 4-2 win at Recreativo Huelva was the club's seventh win in that run of matches.

Nine points clear of the drop zone they have all but mathematically secured their top-flight status but Manzano knows that defeat could undo all their good work.

"We have to all be aware that this is the match to remain another year in the Primera Division,'' he said. "It's a good chance for us because we will be on our own turf.

"It's special and important because to clinch another year in the Primera Division is everybody's aim.''

Goalkeeper Dudu Aouate and defender Enrique Corrales are both injured but Mallorca have been boosted by the return of first-choice keeper Miguel Angel Moya who has been sidelined for six months.

Gonzalo Castro and Ayoze Diaz are suspended for the match.