Giráldez: “We Don’t Need to Do Anything Exceptional

Chelsea vs. Barcelona: Match Schedule, TV Coverage, and Probable Lineups Jonatan Giráldez appears seemingly calm in London on the eve of the season’s most important match so far, and one of his last major duels as FC Barcelona’s coach. The second leg of the Champions League semifinals against Chelsea, where only a win will secure a spot in the final in Bilbao. Everything is internal, and he’s clear about it: “We don’t need to do anything exceptional, just play well enough to deserve to win.”

Although it’s not, for him, the most challenging challenge by context and circumstances he’s faced since taking charge of the team. “Last year we had a much tougher one, in Eindhoven. We had to score three goals in 45 minutes to win a match and a title.” It’s the example he uses to show his players that yes, it’s possible. Because they’ve already done it. However, “we’re facing one of the toughest opponents, whom we respect above all. We’ll give everything.” Giráldez talked about the mental factor in this tie, which Emma Hayes also mentioned in her press conference. “Everything is important. You have to be mentally strong to overcome adversities. When things are going well, it’s easier for everything to go smoothly. And in bad situations, you have to show that you’re capable of reversing these moments.” But “the footballing aspect will also be key. We have twenty-two players of great level with great footballing and mental capacity.”

An Even Tie Regarding the first leg, the Vigo native pointed out that “the match was very even.” And what the team needs to do, to achieve more, is “create more chances, they had a good defensive game.” He emphasized penalties, as Cata Coll, in an interview on Catalunya Radio, had said they had prepared for them and that she would like to “take the third one.” “It’s nothing exceptional, we’ve been working on penalties all season,” said the coach. “We always work on all possible contexts to be prepared for everything.”

“In all the games we’ve played against Chelsea, this script or a similar one has always played out,” he added, “giving us the initiative. We are a team that usually has more chances than the opponent. And the only exception was the last few minutes of last year. I don’t think it will be a similar match, but in terms of approach, we’ll see a Barcelona that will go after them.”

Giráldez isn’t thinking about the time he has left here, which is dwindling. “I’m privileged to be able to work with this group of players, to belong to Barça. And also to live in Barcelona for the past twelve years.” And he concluded: “I really enjoy football and everyday life.”