Míchel Sánchez, prudence and ambition in the face of the challenge of Lluís Companys

Girona FC faces one of the most demanding matches of the season this Saturday: the visit to FC Barcelona at Lluís Companys. The red-and-white coach, Míchel Sánchez, appeared this Friday at a press conference with a speech marked by prudence, respect for the opponent, and confidence in his squad.

“Barça is always Barça, and we are a team that has to fight to get a positive result,” assured the Madrid coach, who confirmed good news on the medical front. “All the players who returned from the national team came back in good shape. We are recovering Víctor, Abel, and Solís, and they will be available for tomorrow,” he added.

Míchel explained that Girona has prepared for the match by analyzing both their own game and that of their opponent: “I always look at the team and the opponent, and we have studied a lot about what they can do to us. They will have fewer options to make an eleven, but those who play will be top, players who could play anywhere in the world. For this reason, we have to focus on ourselves: we will have to defend a lot and attack when the time comes. With an advanced defense like Barça’s, attacking it is the best way to break their pressure.”

Regarding Barça’s style, Míchel praised the work of the team led by Hansi Flick: “They have a very defined style, with top players and a coach who has very clear ideas. I haven’t seen a Barça worse than last year. Talking about hurting Barça is easier than doing it on the field. All teams think about how to hurt Barça, but then you have to put it into practice.”

The coach also celebrated the return of key players like Viktor Tsygankov and Abel Ruiz: “Viktor and Abel are important players. They have gone through a long period without competing, and I hope that from now on they will be with us normally. We need everyone to have more options when making the lineup and to be more competitive.”

Although Barça comes into the match after two defeats, Míchel does not see an opponent in crisis: “I don’t look at the results to evaluate how the team is doing. Even though they are coming off two defeats, I don’t think Barça is in a bad moment. The break has been good for recovering players and for working with others who need to understand our game more. I see a team that works well, that is taking steps forward, and that will grow and improve.”

The Madrid coach dismissed the idea that Barça might be distracted by future commitments: “Barça is used to playing every three days. After a break and having lost matches, I don’t think they are looking beyond tomorrow. I have never done it, and I don’t think Flick does it either. They don’t think we are a weak team; it’s a team that respects us a lot.”

Míchel also wanted to make it clear that he feels supported by the club, even while acknowledging the pressure of results: “I have no doubt that I have Quique’s confidence. I rely on him, but I am aware that results are what matter, and there may come a day when I am no longer here.”

Finally, he wanted to downplay any comparisons with major European clubs: “I have in mind what we will do tomorrow, but we are not PSG 2.0.”

With a message of confidence and realism, Míchel Sánchez approaches the duel against Barça with the aim of maintaining the identity of a competitive, brave Girona faithful to its style, against an opponent that, according to him, “remains one of the best teams in the world.”