Quique Álvarez appeared this Saturday before the media ahead of Girona FC's debut in LaLiga Hypermotion. The red-and-white team will debut tomorrow, Sunday, at Montilivi against CD Leganés with the goal of starting the competition with a victory.

The coach explained that, except for Ounahi, who joined later after playing in the World Cup, Portu, who is still recovering from his injury, and Unai, who has just joined the team, he has the entire squad available. “Depending on some particular situations, tomorrow I will decide the best team to compete,” he noted.

Despite the challenges of a preseason affected by the transfer market and the World Cup, Álvarez believes the team is ready for the debut. “With what we have, tomorrow we will be ready to compete well. It’s clear that we will be better later on, but tomorrow we will be ready,” he affirmed.

Regarding the starting eleven, the coach admitted that he has it “quite clear, with some doubts, but quite clear,” and emphasized that the selection will take into account all the factors surrounding each player: “Considering all the aspects that encompass a player, I will have to choose who is best prepared to compete as well as possible.”

A preseason affected by the transfer market

Quique Álvarez highlighted the difficulty of preparing for the season with the transfer market still open. “It’s the same every year. It’s very difficult to work with the market open. Being a World Cup year, everything is delayed. It’s not ideal for coaches or clubs, but that’s how it’s set up, and we have to live with it,” he explained.

In this regard, he revealed that the club is continuing to work on strengthening the squad, especially in certain positions. “We are weaker in some areas, and reinforcements will come. For the other positions, it will depend on whether there are departures,” he indicated.

The coach also emphasized the importance of the players’ commitment to the project. “I need players who want to be here. A player is good when he is connected,” he stated.

Regarding the preseason, Álvarez acknowledged that it hasn’t been easy but particularly highlighted the group’s attitude: “We haven’t had an easy preseason, but I like the energy the young players have shown and the professionalism of many players who, despite their own issues, have been professional.” As for the gameplay, he admitted there are still aspects to improve: “We’ve had some good moments, but there are many things to correct; we’ve had many ups and downs during the matches.”

A leading but balanced Girona

The red-and-white coach also outlined the main lines of his playing style. “My way of seeing football is offensive but balanced. I like teams that can take the lead offensively but with balance,” he explained.

Looking ahead to the debut, he warned of the need to maintain the highest level of demand regardless of Girona’s perceived favoritism on paper. “Even if we go in as favorites, we must have enough humility to face the matches. Details can decide a game. We have to take the lead and dominate the matches but also win all phases of the games.”

Álvarez is also aware that the season will be long and that the team will need to know how to manage the different moments of the competition. “The league is very long; there will be tough moments,” he pointed out.

“I hope the fans come to cheer us on as always”

The coach also wanted to dedicate a few words to Girona’s fans, especially after last season’s relegation. “I hope the fans come to cheer us on as always, that they have digested the relegation after some very good years,” he said.

Álvarez assured that starting the competition at Montilivi is a circumstance he values positively: “I always prefer to start at home.” And he sent a clear message to the fans: “From my side, I can only say that we will try to make them feel proud.”

Thus, Girona FC will face its first official match of the season tomorrow with the aim of starting this new chapter on the right foot and giving Montilivi an initial joy upon their return to competition.