Following the close of the summer transfer window marked by the departure of Ounahi and the arrival of Carles Pérez, Girona FC sporting director Quique Cárcel and general director Ignasi Mas-Bagà addressed the media to review the club’s roster management and ambitions for the campaign.
Girona Leadership Defends Roster Strategy After Busy Transfer Window
The summer market brought significant roster turnover, culminating in late window adjustments that saw Ounahi depart and Pérez join the squad. Speaking to reporters alongside Mas-Bagà, Cárcel evaluated the final makeup of the team following weeks of intense negotiations and uncertainty.
“The team that remains is prepared to be at the top,” Cárcel said during the club’s evaluation press conference, addressing the collective outlook of the squad after a demanding market period.
Quique Cárcel Addresses Roster Resistance and Player Departures
Detailing the complex process of assembling the squad, Cárcel revealed that retaining every player was initially his preferred path despite clear indicators of resistance from within the dressing room. Roster stability remained a priority for the sporting department, though changing player ambitions altered the club’s approach.
“I wanted to stay with everyone if I could because it was a squad of great value, knowing that not a single one wanted to stay,” Cárcel said. “If I had seen the enthusiasm and the desire to return to promotion, we would have made very few signings. The problem is that most wanted to leave.”
Faced with widespread departure requests, the sporting director emphasized that institutional stability and contractual obligations ultimately guided the club’s decisions. “From there, they had a signed contract and the most important thing is the club and the good of Girona. I tried to understand everyone and empathize with them,” Cárcel added.
Locker Room Commitment as the Foundation for Competitiveness
Despite the initial reluctance from several members of the squad, Cárcel highlighted the vital importance of players who demonstrated professionalism and commitment once the window shut. The sporting director pointed to established figures and key additions as the driving forces behind the team’s competitive viability.
Cárcel specifically underlined the dedication shown by David López, Stuani, Francés, Fran Beltrán, Bryan Gil, Asprilla, and Vanat. According to the club’s sporting direction, the restored focus within the group forms the cornerstone for the club’s targets moving forward.
“This is one of the keys to thinking that the team will be competitive,” Cárcel said.
Handling Speculation Surrounding Tsygankov
Among the various active files managed by the club during the window, speculation regarding Tsygankov emerged as one of the most persistent topics. When pressed by media members on the situation, Cárcel declined to elaborate publicly, maintaining a guarded stance on the player’s immediate future.
“I am very calm. Let everyone draw their own conclusions,” Cárcel stated.
With the transfer window officially closed and administrative evaluations concluded, Girona turns its complete attention back to pitch preparations and upcoming league fixtures.
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