New Delhi: Girona, the Spanish minnows, have a massive task ahead as they must adjust to life in the Champions League following their explosive campaign from the previous season. Reaching the highest levels of football is a sensory challenge, and Girona’s composure at this level is already being put to the test.
When Girona were in the third division of Spain in the late 1980s, Ivan Quiros, co-founder of the official Girona fan club, Penya Jandrista GFC, went to games at the Estadi Montilivi for the first time. He described qualifying to play the best in Europe as “an unattainable and impossible dream, made real”.
Since the 2017 investment by City Football Group (CFG), a division of Abu Dhabi United Group, which owns 13 clubs on five continents, including Premier League champions Manchester City, it has been a dream come true for seven years. After 49 years of absence from professional football, the Catalan team only joined the second division in 2008; nevertheless, in 2017, they were promoted to the Spanish top flight for the first time.
They were only four points behind Barcelona in second place after finishing third in La Liga the previous season as they barely fell two goals short of champion Real Madrid with 85 goals. Due to UEFA regulations, Girona’s stadium can only accommodate about 9,600 fans during the Champions League. Even this small crowd is a huge contrast to the hundreds of spectators who would attend the stadium in the beginning of the century.
How are things going for Girona this season?
Girona side in a hurdle (Via @GironaFC)
In their first game, Girona lost to Paris St-Germain 1-0 due to an own goal in the 90th minute. Girona then missed a penalty and added two more own goals to tie Fenerbahce’s record for most own goals in a single Champions League season in a 3-2 loss to Feyenoord at home. However, they do have a chance to kick their points tally off, as they face the Slovak side, Slovan Bratislava, who currently sit second last in the table.
However, when it comes to their league campaign, things are quite different from how it was last season with the club sitting at 12th in the La Liga standings after 10 games. This is a major drawback for Girona as last season, they managed to stay on top, unbeaten after 10 games. According to Miquel Agut Riera, who provides commentary on Girona’s games, their Champions League qualification came “too fast.”
Riera explains Girona’s poor start to the season on the departure of important players during the summer. Their previous season’s top scorer, Artem Dovbyk moved to Roma this summer, while another key player Savinho, joined Manchester City. After serving as a vital member of Girona squad, Aleix Garcia joined Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen, while 23-year-old center back Eric Garcia returned to Barcelona after the conclusion of his loan.
Despite the fact that Girona have recruited a few players, they need time to settle into the system and adapt to the game style of play that Michel wants his players to follow.
What lies ahead for Girona?
See you tomorrow at Montilivi! 🤝 pic.twitter.com/dOvaql80AW
— Girona FC (@GironaFC) October 21, 2024
Girona lost their recent game against Real Soceidad, that resulted in their slip to 12th position, suggesting some major changes that are needed during their next outing against Slovan Bratislava, in the Champions League. It is important that the players remain focused despite the hectic schedule and the number of games that are being played this season. It may look like a one season wonder for the Girona side, but they still have plenty of time to recover in the league.
When it comes to the Champions League, Girona need to make sure that they kick their points tally off against a side who have themselves struggled so far, Slovan Bratislava. It is important for Girona to in this fixture to send a message that their qualification was no joke and they will be up for a fight to keep their hopes alive.
Will manager Michel stay at the club?
Girona manager Michel Sanchez (Via @footballespana_)
Head coach Michel arrived in the summer of 2021 and immediately won over the fans of Girona by learning Catalan. Last season, Girona received plaudits for their fearless attacking approach under Michel. The Girona side played some fluid football on the pitch, which eventually helped them achieve a lot last season.
Riera stated that there are concerns regarding the club’s ability to retain Michel until his contract expires in 2026. Riera stated: “Playing Champions League may be the best that he thinks he can achieve here” as another significant European football midweek approaches.
