June 13th, 1999, at the Saint Mois stadium.
More than 20,000 Majorca fans were cheering. Cúper, the silver-haired coach, stood solemnly on the sidelines, cheering along with players like Roa, Lauren, Engonga, Ibagaza and Dani. The entire newly built Saint Mois stadium was in a state of euphoria!
In the match that had just finished, Mallorca, playing at home, had defeated their direct rivals Celta 3-0 to secure third place in La Liga with a game in hand. It was a historic qualification for the UEFA Champions League for an island team that had been struggling in the second division just two years earlier.
The fans chanted the names of Dani and the other stars on the pitch, and then began chanting Cúper's name - the Argentine coach had worked wonders with the team over the past two years: runners-up in the Copa del Rey, runners-up in the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, winners of the Spanish Super Cup, and now third in La Liga after finishing sixth last season!
After the celebrations died down, the Mallorca fans turned their attention to club president Antonio Asensio, who was in the stands. At just over 50, Asensio was considered the most successful president in the club's history. Under his leadership, the team had gone from the second division to the Champions League in just three years, marking the most glorious period in the club's 80-year history.
In the box, Asensio waved to the crowd. He was a serious man, with a stern, sharp face. His demeanor was in stark contrast to the friendly, smiling older man standing next to him, who appeared to be of a similar age.
After waving, Asensio took a few steps back, the determined expression on his face suddenly disappearing, replaced by deep fatigue.
"Antonio..."
The older, slightly heavier man beside him reached out to support him, but Asensio waved him away. Taking a deep breath, Asensio smiled bitterly, "Mateo, it seems my body can't keep up anymore. From next season on, Mallorca will be in your hands."
The heavier man, Mateo Alemany, nodded, "That's no problem, we've known each other for years... But Antonio, are you sure that no one will object to me becoming president of Mallorca? Even though you own 60% of the club, giving you absolute control, I don't own any shares. The minority shareholders might not mind, but Vicente Grande, who owns almost 30% of the shares, might have something to say about it".
"If he has a problem, it's his problem. As long as I still hold the 60%, no one can challenge your position as president!" Asensio snorted coldly. "Don't worry, Mateo. With the support of the Asensio family, your position will be secure. I know your abilities and I trust your integrity. You're the best person to take my place. Besides, it's not without precedent in La Liga - look at Valladolid, they hired a president to run the club! Your ability to manage the club far exceeds that of any of the shareholders, and I trust you more than anyone else. If I can't count on you, who can I count on?"
Asensio smiled. "Besides, you have a great son. Mateo, he's not only capable, he's also loyal to Mallorca. If I entrust the club to you, maybe one day Mallorca will really shine under the leadership of your son!"
"You mean José?" Alemany hesitated for a moment, then said with some uncertainty, "Yes, I'm proud of him. At only 20, he went to the United States, worked for two years, and came back with millions - he really surprised me. But after giving up his company in America five years ago, he's been learning how to be a coach here in Mallorca. I think he could be a great coach one day, but I'm not sure he'll be able to turn Mallorca into a powerhouse.
Asensio laughed. "Mateo, if you were a 20 year old who had earned almost 200 million dollars in America, would you give it all up to come back to Mallorca to learn how to be a coach?"
Alemany thought for a moment and shook his head. "Uh, no, I don't think I would."
"Neither would I," Asensio said frankly. "So if he's not out of his mind, it must be because he loves Mallorca deeply. He could've studied coaching anywhere, but he chose to come back to Mallorca. It shows that he just wants to give something back to the club. The fact that he's made millions in just two years shows that he's capable. Someone who is both talented and loyal to Mallorca - why can't he lead the club one day?"
"Haha, Antonio, you have a lot of faith in my son! But if he's really that capable, maybe one day he'll take over from Cúper and lead Mallorca forward. I'd be the president and my son the coach - it could be a great story! Alemany laughed heartily.
Asensio smiled, but said nothing, although he was already considering other possibilities in his mind.