Real Madrid once again slumped to a defeat against Athletic Club midweek making it five defeats in their last 11 games. They are now four points behind Barcelona, albeit with a game in hand.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side return to the field tomorrow night at Estadi Montilivi against Girona, a team that blew La Liga away with a stunning run last season but have relatively struggled this time around.
Michel’s men are currently in eighth place on the standings and are winless in their last three games across all competitions and will be looking to put up a good fight tomorrow night.
Michel is wary of Real Madrid
Speaking to the media ahead of his team’s clash against Real Madrid, Girona manager Michel revealed what he expected from Los Blancos, and his team’s chances and commented on other related topics.
“I expect a very good Real Madrid, they are the current League champion. Vinicius won’t come, but they have a great team with players like Mbappe, Rodrygo, and Bellingham. Any name we say belongs to top players,” he began, praising Los Blancos for their quality.
Despite his words of praise for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, however, the manager was confident his team could pull off an upset.
“We will have to be impeccable in attack and defence, and we believe we can do it.”
“It is very difficult for us to surpass the rival, but we will try to give a good image,” he added.
All eyes on Mbappe. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
The manager was then asked about his approach to neutralise the threat of Kylian Mbappe, to which he said,
“I have analyzed his ability to accelerate with and without the ball and it is very difficult to stop. All coaches try to stop this type of player, but we have a plan.”
Michel then gave his two cents on where his team were lacking and what they must improve, starting from tomorrow’s game.
“We have to improve a lot in zone three, arrive with more people and finish to avoid transitions. Even so, I think we have improved in defense compared to last year.”
Finally, he called for fans to support the team in large numbers for the upcoming games which are against Real Madrid and Liverpool.
“The fans have to enjoy this moment and this Girona. You don’t play every day against Real Madrid and Liverpool in a row.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo