Girona FC begins its 2026-27 preseason training in 48 hours, marking the start of a rebuilding phase following the club’s relegation from La Liga. With the squad set to report to new coach Quique Álvarez, the organization faces roster turnover and the challenge of adjusting to the rigors of the second division, the Liga Hypermotion.
A New Direction Under Quique Álvarez
The appointment of Quique Álvarez serves as the cornerstone of Girona’s strategy to reset the team’s trajectory. Following the May 24 match against Elche—a 1-1 draw that confirmed the club’s relegation—the atmosphere at Montilivi has been defined by a need for change. During his official unveiling, Álvarez emphasized a mandate to inject energy, composure and improve the collective morale of a dressing room reeling from the previous season’s disappointment.
However, the transition period has been characterized by limited activity. While the coaching staff has been finalized, the club’s front office has faced criticism for a perceived lack of urgency in surrounding the new manager with a fully reshaped squad ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Roster Overhaul and Contract Transitions
The squad undergoing preparations for the 2026-27 season looks different from the group that concluded the previous term. The club has confirmed the departures of several players, including those whose loan spells have expired and others whose contracts reached their conclusion.
Departing players include:
- Loan Expirations: Vitor Reis, Ter Stegen, Rincón, Lemar, and Echeverri.
- Contract Expirations: Juan Carlos, Rubén Blanco, Blind, and Witsel.
To address these gaps, the club has finalized two arrivals that were reportedly negotiated months in advance: Oleksandar Pyschur, joining from Gyor, and Izan González, arriving from Granada. Despite these additions, the volume of departures leaves questions regarding the depth and balance of the squad as the team prepares to face a demanding schedule in the Liga Hypermotion.
The Road Ahead in Liga Hypermotion
For the coaching staff and the players, the immediate focus is the transition to a new competitive environment. The shift from top-flight football to the second division brings a different set of opponents and logistical challenges. The coaching staff is now tasked with integrating new signings while establishing a tactical identity that can withstand the physical demands of the division.
The lack of aggressive movement in the transfer market has left supporters and observers questioning whether the current squad is sufficiently equipped for an immediate return to La Liga. As the team gathers at Montilivi, the primary objective for Álvarez will be to stabilize the locker room and establish a winning culture early in the preseason.
The club is expected to release further updates regarding the training schedule and additional personnel moves in the coming days. Players are due to report to the training ground within 48 hours to begin their initial assessments and tactical briefings.
