Girona Manager Emphasizes Real Madrid’s Strength Ahead of Crucial La Liga Battle
The past few weeks have brought a mix of triumphs and setbacks for Real Madrid across various competitions. While the prestigious victories over Leganés in the Copa del Rey and Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League underscore the team’s resilience and quality, their recent performances in La Liga have been less convincing. Real Madrid has dropped points in their last three league games, securing just two out of a possible nine points. This less-than-ideal run has left them in a position where a win is imperative, especially as they prepare to face Girona at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.
Michel’s Pre-Match Optimism
Girona’s coach, Michel, addressed the media ahead of the upcoming clash with Real Madrid, showcasing a determined and positive mindset. Despite the clear favourites being the Madrid giants, Michel made it clear that his team would be going all out for a win. “I don’t agree to a draw, because I always prepare the games to win them. I am aware of the difficulty, and I know that Real Madrid are the favourites, but in football, things always happen,” he emphasized. Michel’s words reflect the competitive spirit and the belief that anything can happen on the pitch, even against a formidable opponent like Real Madrid.
Acknowledging the Challenges
Michel delved into the complexities of facing Real Madrid, particularly noting their impressive form in recent weeks. He pointed out that Real Madrid’s defeat of Manchester City in the Champions League is a testament to their strength and skill. “It’s a very complicated game because they are in a great moment,” he said, highlighting the challenges that lie ahead. He also acknowledged the attacking prowess of Los Blancos, warning that his team would need to be exceptionally concentrated in defence. “Our idea is to be protagonists, but there will be times when we will have to have a lot of concentration in defence because two or three passes in attack and they are unstoppable,” Michel added. This statement underscores the need for Girona to be tactically balanced and adaptable during the match.
Defensive Focus and Key Players
Preparation for the game against Real Madrid involves a significant focus on defensive tactics. Michel emphasized the importance of not overcommitting to attack, as this could leave Girona vulnerable. “We can’t lose a lot of people looking forward. We have to look at the pressure from behind because if not, we won’t catch any player,” he stressed. The coach also identified specific Real Madrid stars that his team needs to be wary of, including Vinicius, Rodrygo, and Valverde, whom he described as “players who are very hard to beat.” Valverde, in particular, has impressed Michel with his versatile performances, leading him to dub the Uruguayan “the best full-back in the world.”
Absence of Jude Bellingham
While Real Madrid will be missing Jude Bellingham due to a suspension, Michel remains confident that this will not significantly impact the game. “He is among the best players in the world, but any player who replaces him will show a very high level,” he stated. This belief in the depth and quality of Real Madrid’s squad suggests that Girona will need to be on top of their game to stand any chance of causing an upset.
Refereeing Controversies and Team Focus
Finally, when asked about the recent controversies surrounding refereeing in La Liga and Real Madrid’s stance on the matter, Michel chose to steer the conversation back to the game itself. “My concern is Mbappe, Rodrygo, Vinicius. My concern is Real Madrid. We must remove the focus off refereeing because there is always controversy, for or against, but refereeing is very complicated and they try to do it their best,” he concluded. Michel’s approach underscores the importance of maintaining a clear and focused mindset, emphasizing that his team’s performance and tactics will be the key factors in determining the outcome of the match.
Girona’s encounter with Real Madrid on Sunday promises to be a challenging yet intriguing affair, with both teams bringing their best to the Santiago Bernabeu. Michel’s pre-match comments not only highlight Real Madrid’s formidable strength but also demonstrate the resilience and determination of his own team to make a significant impact in the league.
