Míchel Closes Door on Barça, Keeps Girona Dream Alive
Míchel steers Girona to the top, leading with 55 points and sustaining a dream that, despite losing steam after the Copa del Rey exit, continues to thrive in La Liga. The Catalan team defeated a struggling Celta Vigo 0-1, thanks to Portu’s goal, and with one game in hand for Real Madrid, they now sit atop the league table. Following the match, the coach of the moment ruled out the Barcelona bench, which will be vacant after Xavi’s departure on June 30.
“Xavi is the one who knows FC Barcelona the best,” were Míchel’s words when asked if he could envision himself as Xavi Hernandez’s successor at FC Barcelona. After Xavi announced his departure from the Blaugrana on June 30, Míchel stated, “I am thinking about Girona; I have a contract until 2026, so nothing…” He added, “Xavi is Barcelona.”
Regarding the possibility of Girona dreaming of Europe, Míchel keeps expectations low and talks about waiting for a few more matchdays. “We’ll have to say that later. I think that today’s three points bring us closer to Europe, much more. Real [Sociedad] didn’t get 3 points, Barcelona neither. We can dream of the Champions League in 4 or 5 matchdays, or 6, with 10 remaining. And then, if, once you were in the Champions League race, you get close to this Real Madrid, it could be very good,” Míchel commented.
About the match against Celta Vigo, played “under less than ideal conditions” due to the poor state of the pitch at Balaídos, Míchel stated that these three points are crucial “to keep fighting for a dream.” He highlighted the personality of his players to control the ball and affirmed that “when Girona is brave and plays looking at the opponent and moving forward, it is a team that can beat any rival.”
Míchel neither opens the door to Barcelona nor to new signings. For him, Girona has “a sufficient squad to compete.” Only a reinforcement that allows them to “take a leap in quality” will arrive, with the intention of continuing to grow as a club and not just patching up specific weaknesses. The league leader is also feeling the fatigue, so Míchel celebrates the two weeks the team has ahead to prepare for “a very difficult match against Real Sociedad.”