Girona’s Heart Missing in First Half at Valencia, Míchel Admits

Girona FC head coach Míchel Sánchez delivered a candid self-critique after his team’s 2-1 LaLiga loss to Valencia CF at Mestalla on Saturday, April 26, 2026, acknowledging that his side lacked the necessary aggression and determination in the opening hour of the match.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Míchel stated plainly: “We controlled the ball but not the game. Until the 2-0 goal, I thought we lacked soul and determination in our play.” He added that the team only regained its intensity after tactical changes, saying: “After that, we had it and with the substitutions we gained aggression, both with and without the ball.”

The defeat leaves Girona in a precarious position regarding LaLiga survival. As of the match, the club had accumulated 42 points and remained just three points above the relegation zone, with several teams still in contention to avoid the drop.

Míchel emphasized the importance of the fixture, telling reporters: “I don’t know if everyone had it clear, but today’s match was remarkably crucial. We demand to be united, we need Montilivi to be as loud as Mestalla was today, supporting the team until the final whistle. We need to win games, because if we don’t, we’ll have to suffer.”

He further stressed the collective responsibility required to secure safety: “We need each player to take responsibility and display heart to make an impact. This week we worked on that — on making each other better, on being more than just a team, on needing to suffer together on the pitch.”

The Girona manager also addressed the performance of veteran striker Cristhian Stuani, praising his commitment while urging caution: “It’s important. He’s had two injuries and we have to be very careful, because if he plays too much he could suffer a relapse. We need to monitor his minutes closely, but he remains very important to us.”

Míchel dismissed claims that refereeing decisions influenced the outcome, stating: “The refereeing was not at all decisive.”

Looking ahead, Girona will host RCD Mallorca in their next LaLiga fixture, followed by a trip to Rayo Vallecano — matches Míchel described as equally vital in the club’s fight to avoid relegation.

The result means Girona’s fate remains in their own hands, but with only four matches left in the season, every point will be critical in their bid to secure another year in Spain’s top flight.

For continued updates on Girona’s LaLiga survival battle, follow official club channels and trusted sports news outlets.

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