Girona manager Quique Álvarez has pushed back against characterizations of Friday’s upcoming clash against Mallorca at Montilivi as a premature La Liga fixture, insisting both clubs must remain grounded in the Segunda División.
Montilivi Hosts Segunda Heavyweights
The fixture brings together two clubs that suffered relegation from Spain’s top flight last season, sparking early talk of a potential Primera División preview among supporters. Álvarez, however, rejected that framing during his pre-match press conference.
“We are both in Segunda,” Álvarez said. “We’ll see what happened in June. It’s a good Segunda match, that’s for sure, and we have to approach it with humility.”
Both teams enter the weekend among the early favorites for promotion, though Mallorca’s defensive solidity presents a distinct tactical challenge compared to Albacete, whom Girona defeated 2-0 in their previous outing.
Bryan Gil and Fran Beltrán Return to Girona Squad
Girona receives a timely injection of depth as manager Quique Álvarez recovers several key contributors ahead of the fixture. Bryan Gil and Fran Beltrán return to the fold following respective injury layoffs.
In addition, international returnees Krapyvtsov, Pyschur, and Lass rejoined the squad after completing international fixtures with their respective national teams earlier in the week.
“Fran and Bryan arrive a bit tight, but they have trained well and we have to see for how many minutes they can be available,” Álvarez noted regarding his returning midfielders.
The hosts remain without the services of injured forwards Stuani and Jastin, alongside international absentees Vanat, Asprilla, and Junior.
Tactical Adjustments After Albacete
Reflecting on the 2-0 victory over Albacete, Álvarez warned that his side cannot afford the same defensive lapses against a more clinical opponent. The manager emphasized that Mallorca operates with a more controlled style of play and ranks among the division’s tightest defenses.
“If we concede that much to the rival, the most normal thing is that one day we won’t win,” Álvarez said. “We have seen the match and analyzed it well. Mallorca maybe doesn’t need as much to score. They have a style of play of more control of the match and defend very well. They are one of the least scored-against teams.”
Van de Beek’s Integration
Midfielder Donny van de Beek is in line to feature prominently after opening his scoring account in the win against Albacete. Álvarez addressed the Dutch midfielder’s adjustment period in the Segunda División, pointing to match fitness rather than ability as the primary hurdle.
“It’s not a question of level, but of condition, since he hasn’t competed for a long time, and of confidence in himself,” Álvarez said. “The other day when he scored, he let go and you could see the football he has. I always tell him he doesn’t have to be pressured or anguished for having played at a high level. He has to demonstrate the football he has with simplicity and naturalness. If he takes it that way, he will help us a lot.”
Álvarez also hinted that youth academy product Sarasa could retain a place in the matchday rotation after turning in an encouraging cameo appearance last weekend.
