Girona FC is staring down another season-defining showdown, and head coach Míchel Sánchez isn't mincing words. Speaking ahead of tomorrow's high-stakes clash against Atlético de Madrid, the gaffer made it clear that his squad understands the gravity of the moment—calling it nothing less than a "new final" for the club's survival in La Liga.
"Atlético must feel tomorrow that we are playing for a lot," Sánchez declared in his pre-match press conference. The message was unmistakable: this isn't just another fixture. With the pressure mounting, Míchel stressed that his team needs to deliver their absolute best, executing "things in the best way" under maximum demand. He framed the match as a pivotal moment for the immediate future, emphasizing that everything hinges on their performance.
On the injury front, there's mixed news. Míchel confirmed that Abel remains sidelined, but there's a bright spot—Donny has been included in the squad, a development the coach described as "very positive." The locker room, he noted, is fully dialed in, aware that their fate rests squarely in their own hands.
Veteran striker Cristhian Stuani has been nursing a knee knock, limiting his training time. But Míchel isn't worried. "He hasn't been able to train normally, but that's usual for him," the coach said with confidence, adding that the captain will give "100%" whenever he steps on the pitch. It's that kind of grit—players rising to the occasion in tough moments—that Míchel believes will be crucial, especially after the team's resilient response in the last matchday.
When it comes to the standings, the message is simple: "Girona depends on itself." Míchel urged his squad to block out the noise and focus solely on their own game. A victory in Madrid, he emphasized, would put the goal within reach, setting up a dramatic final day. "Achieving a positive result," he said, "would make everything possible."
Preparation hasn't been ideal—the team couldn't train on the pitch as planned—but Míchel assured that the game plan is locked in. The lineup is clear, and the players know exactly what they need to do. For Girona, tomorrow isn't just about points; it's about proving they belong. And if Míchel's tone is any indication, they're ready to fight for every inch.