Girona is heading to the RCDE Stadium to face Espanyol needing a victory to break their winless streak and dispel doubts surrounding the team. A draw against Celta at Montilivi stopped their series of losses, but it wasn’t enough to shake the feeling that the team has lost momentum at a crucial point in the season, where their objectives are at stake. With only one win in their last six matches, Girona’s league position has become unstable, moving away from European spots and into a precarious situation with twelve games left.
The coach spoke to the media about this important match, which could define the team’s direction for the rest of the season. While mathematical safety isn’t guaranteed and European qualification isn’t entirely out of reach, the margin for error is shrinking. The game against Espanyol is seen as crucial to determine Girona’s path in this final stretch.
Míchel updated on team news and the team’s mental state: “The team is in good shape. Abel is out, Oriol has knee discomfort but trained, the rest are fine. Mentally, the team needs a good result. We reacted well after going 1-2 down last game, but we need to win to change the outlook. To win, we must play exceptionally and be at our best. That’s what we need, and the team has trained well. It’s a tough game against a team in good form, a match at our level. We want to win to get closer to our goal of staying in the Primera División.”
Regarding whether it’s considered a derby: “It is special, and you can call it a derby. It’s very important for our fans and for us. I wish we could play this game every year, hopefully next year too, for both Espanyol and us. It’s an important match for Girona fans and for us, the players and I know it. But it’s also just one more game, and it’s very important for our league position.”
Europe and relegation are currently the same distance away, six points: “We need to earn it on the field, aiming upwards. That’s clear to me. This year, realistically, fighting for Europe isn’t the feeling right now. I hope for our best performance in these 12 games, to win a lot and see where we end up. But I don’t think Europe is our goal right now. We must win on the field and look upwards.”
Asked about controlling the game and if Arthur will start, he said, “He’s ready to start. Game control will be important, it always is. We need to be better with the ball because we reach the final third but can’t finish plays. Espanyol is very dangerous in transition, they use long passes to their striker Roberto, who is good in the air and space. They have players like Puado, Jofre, or Král who are good at running into space. So, we need to control the game with the ball and play well to reach the final third and finish attacks. We are working on that.”
About the reverse fixture where Girona heavily defeated Espanyol, and Espanyol’s current form: “I always focus on how to beat the opponent, not on past results or league tables. I analyze the opponent objectively, and they have improved. But I’m confident we have what it takes to win. I’m not worried or scared. I’m focused on each game with uncertainty, but I trust the team. If we perform well and control the game, we’ll be closer to winning. I’m convinced we can beat any opponent if we are at our best, and I believe we’ll have a great game tomorrow.”
Asked if he’d prefer to play poorly and win or vice versa, he reflected: “I don’t know how to do that, I don’t think about winning while playing worse. I consider the opponent’s strengths – good transition, long passes, good spatial defense, aggressive without the ball. I think about how to counter that. If we don’t play exceptionally, it’s hard to win. So, I aim for a great performance to win. I always expect my team’s best. I don’t believe in luck, but in improvement and working to reach our peak. That’s why I say I’m responsible.”
The team hasn’t won away since early January: “We need a win, home or away, it’s the same. This next game is away, so we must perform at our best to win it. We need to be good mentally, in our play, with personality, and control the game. Doing that will give us a good result. I need the players to be calm on the field.”
Espanyol, not playing in Vila-real, missed the chance to overtake Girona; Does Míchel expect a vengeful opponent?: “I’m sure they want to improve from the first game, that’s normal. But we are in a situation where we need to play great for ourselves, not just to beat Espanyol. I expect a difficult, complicated game… pressure? We have pressure too. With the season nearing the end, everyone looks at the table, and there are things to fight for. The pressure is on us right now, Espanyol will have theirs too.”
Finally, he regretted the Monday game: “I’d prefer to play on the weekend so more fans could come. Monday is a difficult time. I suppose Espanyol would prefer the same, a derby on another day would be better for everyone. But it is what it is, and we can’t change it.”