Twelve days after their dramatic relegation to Spain’s Segunda División, Girona FC finally addressed the media in a rare and unscripted press conference at Montilivi Stadium. The club’s leadership—president Delfí Geli, board president Pere Guardiola, general director Ignasi Mas-Bagà and sporting director Quique Cárcel—gathered to clarify the financial and strategic future of the club. The event marked a stark departure from the silence that had surrounded Girona since their historic drop, with officials emphasizing unity and financial transparency.
The Context of the Relegation
Girona’s relegation came after a 1-0 loss to Espanyol on May 20, 2024, in a match that sealed their fate in La Liga. The result ended a four-year stay in Spain’s top flight, a period defined by ambitious projects and a commitment to competitive football. The club’s financial structure, however, has long been a topic of scrutiny, particularly after a 2023 report by Marca highlighted concerns about their debt levels and revenue streams.
The press conference, held on May 31, 2024, came as Girona prepares for life in the Segunda División. The club has already begun planning for the 2024-25 season, with Guardiola stating, “Our focus is on rebuilding a sustainable project that can return to La Liga as soon as possible.”
Financial Transparency and the “No Euro Taken” Claim
A central theme of the press conference was the club’s financial accountability. Guardiola, who owns 16% of Girona’s shares, addressed rumors about potential financial mismanagement. “We have never taken a euro from the club,” he stated, a line that quickly went viral on Spanish sports media. The claim was met with cautious optimism, as Girona’s financial reports have historically been less transparent than those of larger clubs.
According to Transfermarkt, Girona’s 2023-24 season saw revenue of €64 million, with a net loss of €12 million. While this is modest compared to La Liga giants, it reflects the challenges of competing in the top flight without significant commercial backing. The club’s debt-to-equity ratio, reported by Football Finances, stands at 1.2, below the 2.0 threshold considered risky by financial analysts.
Geli added, “We are not a club that relies on external investments. Our model is based on long-term growth, not quick fixes.” This approach has drawn comparisons to smaller clubs like Alaves and Getafe, which have successfully navigated the Segunda División without major financial overhauls.
Leadership Unity and Strategic Plans
The press conference underscored the unity among Girona’s leadership. For the first time in years, the club’s top officials appeared in lockstep, addressing both the immediate aftermath of relegation and the broader vision for the future.
Cárcel, the sporting director, outlined plans to strengthen the squad for the Segunda División. “We will focus on developing young talent and making strategic signings,” he said. “Our goal is to return to La Liga within two seasons.” This aligns with Girona’s history of nurturing homegrown players, notably Pau Torres and Gerard Deulofeu, who have since moved to bigger clubs.
Mass-Bagà, the general director, emphasized the club’s commitment to its fanbase. “Montilivi is our home, and we will continue to invest in infrastructure and community programs,” he said. The stadium, which has a capacity of 10,000, has undergone recent renovations, including a new synthetic pitch and improved seating areas.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Relegation to the Segunda División presents both challenges and opportunities for Girona. The club will face stiff competition from established teams like Real Betis, Real Valladolid, and SD
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