Leeds United striker Mateo Joseph has sent a public message to his former manager after RCD Mallorca sacked him.
Jagoba Arrasate departed the La Liga club on Monday after a third straight defeat with his side sitting in the relegation zone in 18th, one point from safety. Mallorca have lost seven of their last 10 games, including a Copa del Rey exit at the hands of Deportivo. A club statement said they wish to 'look to open a new chapter with the objective of reversing the current dynamic and facing the challenges that remain this season with the best chances.'
Whites youngster Joseph, who joined Mallorca on loan for the season, took to social media to express his thanks to the outgoing manager. He said: "Sir, I only have words of gratitude. Thank you for trusting me from day one and for everything you've taught me during that time. I wish you all the best in whatever comes next. You deserve it. Much respect always."
Joseph has started 15 league games this season and come off the bench a further nine times, but found end product hard to come by. He currently has two league goals and a trio of assists to his name but has not always played in his preferred centre forward role. Arrasate has deployed the 22-year-old at right winger on occasion.
Joseph caused a stir last summer when he declined to report for a pre-season training camp in Germany, against the wishes of manager Daniel Farke, because he wanted to leave the club and move to Spain. Leeds were adamant the striker would not be sold but did agree to a loan move for the 2025/26 campaign. During Joseph's absence from Elland Road Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been the first-choice number 9, scoring 10 times in the Premier League. His strongest competition has come from Lukas Nmecha who has added a further six top flight goals, while Joel Piroe has remained an option for Farke, albeit struggling for game time. A fourth centre forward, Harry Gray, has gone out on loan for the second half of the season to League One Rotherham United.
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