Ahead of next weekend’s Copa del Rey final against Athletic Club, Mallorca head coach Javier Aguirre opted to start Dominik Greif – who has been ever-present for Los Bermellones in the cup – against Valencia on Saturday, so that he would be more sharp for the showdown clash in Seville against Los Leones.
First-choice goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic was benched, and it proved to be an inspired decision as Greif helped Mallorca keep a clean sheet, ensuring a 0-0 draw at the Mestalla. The latter made four saves, including two notable ones in the second half, which secured a precious point for the visitors.
Speaking post-match, Aguirre expressed his delight for Greif, and revealed (via MD) just how far he has come in the last couple of years.
“He is a deserving boy. When I arrived, he was destroyed. He walked with a limp, he didn’t speak a lick of Spanish. He was destroyed mentally. He would go to his country, stay and then come back. We didn’t know what to do with him, but using all kinds of therapies, we managed to rescue him.
“He’s done his part. Now he speaks Spanish, he makes jokes… He’s a full-fledged goalkeeper. He deserves to play in the final with everything that has happened. He’s had a very hard time. He trains very well, today I wanted to put him on and he played well.”
Greif’s revival has been remarkable, and he will have the chance to complete it next weekend against Athletic. He would write his name into club legend if he can help Mallorca win the Copa del Rey.
