Michel, Girona manager
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Girona coach Michel spoke to the media ahead of their La Liga clash against Barcelona, sending a clear message that his team will need to deliver their best performance to have any chance against the Catalan giants.
Acknowledging the challenge, he began saying, “Barça is always Barça. It doesn’t matter if they’ve just lost.
“They’re capable of beating any team in the world, and we need to play our best game to try to get a good result.”
Michel was keen to stress that he does not see Barcelona as weakened, even with key absences. He explained how Girona have analysed the opponent.
“I always look at the competition and the opponent I’m facing, and we’ve looked at what we can do, despite their absences.
“They will have fewer options to choose from in terms of the squad, like us, but the starting XI that Barça field will be top-class, with players who would have a place in any team in the world.”
He further highlighted that the tactical challenge lies in defending against Hansi Flick’s advanced attack while looking for opportunities to exploit depth.
“The key will be to be able to suffer in defence and look forward to gaining depth.”
Michel, Girona manager
Girona boss has praised Barcelona’s depth. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
The Girona boss disagreed with those who claim this Barcelona side is more vulnerable than last season, especially after consecutive defeats.
“People focus on the results, but coaches look at other things. They have indeed been hurt on the counterattack, but that also happened last year, only then they scored three or four goals, and it was difficult to overcome that situation as an opponent.
“There are opponents who have given them a hard time, and I hope we can too.”
Michel was also clear about what it will take to secure a positive result against Barcelona, focusing on resilience and taking advantage of opportunities.
“To win, we will have to suffer, compete, win duels, and have a bit of luck. Obviously, we need to be accurate, our goalkeeper needs to be on form, and we need to take advantage of our opportunities.
“You look at Barça and they are the team that creates the most chances, that shoots the most on goal. And that means we have to stop them as much as possible.”
Finally, Michel singled out Eric Garcia, who previously played for Girona on loan, recognising his importance in Barcelona’s defensive line.
“Eric Garcia is a defensive player, with players behind him, one of the best in the world.
“His mentality and his ability to resolve defensive situations and make forward passes are spectacular. I’m not surprised, far from it, by the level he’s at.”
Luis de la Fuente, Head Coach of Spain
Luis de la Fuente, Head Coach of Spain