Why Girona’s Coach Search Remains Unresolved After Relegation

One month after securing its first-ever relegation from La Liga, Girona FC finds itself in an unusual position: still without a permanent head coach. The club’s board confirmed to MARCA that discussions with multiple candidates remain ongoing, despite the club’s official end to the 2023-24 season.

The search gained urgency after Míchel’s departure to Ajax Amsterdam, where he signed a three-year contract. According to Ajax’s official announcement, the Spanish coach will take charge of the club’s youth development alongside his senior team responsibilities. Girona’s board has not commented on whether Míchel’s sudden exit influenced the timing of the search, but sources close to the club suggest internal discussions about the coaching transition began even before the relegation was confirmed.

Key timeline: Girona’s relegation was sealed on May 12, 2024, after a 1-1 draw with Elche at Montilivi Stadium. Míchel left for Ajax on May 20, leaving the coaching vacancy open as the club entered summer transfer activity.

Who Are the Remaining Candidates in Girona’s Coach Hunt?

While Girona has not publicly named specific candidates, multiple Spanish outlets—including AS and Mundo Deportivo—report that the club is in advanced talks with at least three potential successors. Sources suggest the following candidates remain under consideration:

• Eusebio Sacristán (current assistant coach at Real Madrid): The former Real Madrid and Espanyol coach has been linked to multiple clubs this summer, though his high-profile name has not yet surfaced in Girona’s discussions.
• Rubén Baraja (former Valencia and Spain U21 coach): A tactical mind with experience in La Liga, Baraja has been mentioned in connection with several clubs looking to return to the top flight.
• Paco López (current Deportivo Alavés coach): The Basque coach has guided Alavés to mid-table finishes in La Liga and could be a strong fit for Girona’s return to Segunda División.

A Girona club spokesperson declined to comment on specific candidates but confirmed to Girona FC’s official website that “the process is advancing according to schedule” and that the board remains committed to finding the right leader for the club’s next chapter.

How Girona’s Summer Signings Impact the Coach Search

While the coaching vacancy remains unresolved, Girona has made significant summer transfer moves that could influence the club’s approach to its search. The most notable signings include:

• Andriy Pylypchuk (Ukrainian forward, from Shakhtar Donetsk): A young, technically gifted striker who could be a key weapon in Segunda División. His arrival was announced on May 30, with the club confirming a five-year deal.
• Izan González (Spanish midfielder, from Real Sociedad): A versatile midfielder with La Liga experience, signed on a four-year contract. His inclusion suggests Girona is aiming for a competitive midfield.
• Jhon Solís (Colombian forward, to Birmingham City): The club confirmed Birmingham City’s activation of the buyout clause in Solís’s contract, netting Girona approximately €10 million—a significant financial boost for the club’s summer transfer business.

These moves indicate Girona is positioning itself for an immediate challenge in Segunda División, which may factor into the board’s decision-making for the coaching role. A source familiar with the club’s internal discussions told El Confidencial that the new coach will be expected to “maximize the potential of this squad” and “build a foundation for a return to La Liga.”

What Happens Next in Girona’s Coach Search?

The next critical checkpoint in Girona’s search is the conclusion of the club’s pre-season training camp, set to begin on July 1, 2024. According to the club’s official calendar, the first team will gather at the Estadi Montilivi for a two-week preparation period before the official start of the Segunda División season on August 17, 2024.

While the coaching vacancy remains unresolved, Girona’s sporting director, Enric Montal, has indicated that the club is prioritizing a “permanent solution” rather than a short-term interim appointment. “We want to avoid any uncertainty,” Montal told Sport. “The new coach will have a clear mandate: to compete for promotion back to La Liga in the 2025-26 season.”

Upcoming deadlines:

• July 1: Start of pre-season training camp at Montilivi Stadium.
• July 15: Final deadline for the club to announce its new head coach, according to internal sources.
• August 17: Official start of the 2024-25 Segunda División season.

How Does Girona’s Coach Search Compare to Other Relegated Clubs?

Girona is not alone in facing a coaching transition after relegation. Two other recently relegated clubs—Rayo Vallecano and RCD Mallorca—have also entered the market for new head coaches. However, Girona’s search stands out for its prolonged timeline and the high-profile nature of Míchel’s departure.

Comparison of relegated clubs’ coach searches:

Unlike Rayo Vallecano, which has appointed an interim coach, or Mallorca, which is reportedly close to naming Alberto Toril, Girona’s board appears determined to avoid a stopgap solution. “We believe in the importance of stability,” a club source told La Comunidad. “The right coach will be someone who can inspire this team and the fans for years to come.”

What Are the Implications for Girona’s 2024-25 Season?

Girona’s return to Segunda División presents both challenges and opportunities. The club’s financial situation—strengthened by the Jhon Solís sale—will be a key factor in its ability to compete. However, the coaching vacancy introduces an element of uncertainty that could impact player morale and transfer activity.

According to Segunda División’s official regulations, clubs must have a permanent head coach appointed by the start of the season. If Girona fails to name a coach by August 17, it risks starting the season with an interim solution, which could affect its standing in the league table.

Key considerations for Girona’s 2024-25 campaign:

• Promotion Challenge: Segunda División’s top two teams earn automatic promotion to La Liga, while the third and fourth teams compete in playoff matches. Girona will need to finish in the top six to secure a realistic chance.
• Squad Depth: The arrivals of Pylypchuk and Izan González provide quality, but the club will need to address weaknesses in its defense and midfield if it is to compete at the highest level.
• Fan Expectations: Girona’s relegation has led to mixed reactions among supporters. While some remain optimistic about a swift return to La Liga, others have called for a more conservative approach to avoid another immediate drop.