RCD Mallorca are pre-seasoning in Birmingham, and the Spanish club’s local media is following every step with interest.
One of the reasons for choosing England as a destination was to get some cold weather training in, given the temperatures at their own training facilities will be prohibitive right now.
However, on arrival there was surprise at just how cold Birmingham is this July, and the culture shocks kept coming from there.
Diario de Mallorca today reported there’s even been something of a culture clash when it comes to music, with Aston Villa players somewhat perplexed by they they’re hearing blasted out from the visitors’ dressing room.
The local newspaper states: ‘The Mallorca DJ does not convince the locals – Or at least that’s what it seems from the gestures when players from the Aston Villa women’s team and youth teams pass in front of the Mallorca locker room. It seems that ‘reggaeton’ is not as popular in these parts as it is in the Arrasate squad.’
Unai Emery is rather more in tune with the travelling party.
The same newspaper explains he’s great friends with Mallorca manager Jagoba Arrasate and the two have been chatting away about their football plans for the summer and the coming season.
Even a hug was spotted, and it feels like there’s a nice little relationship building between the two sides, something which could obviously be useful in the future.
Just not if there’s reggaeton playing in the background, though.
