It was not way back that Girona turned La Liga’s newest sensation, taking Spain by storm as they appeared set to battle for the title. Though critics have argued that Girona’s success isn’t as spectacular as different fairytale tales, pertaining as they do the CFG (Metropolis Soccer Group), there was little doubt amongst La Liga’s fanbase that Artem Dovbyk, ‘Savinho’ and Viktor Tsygankov impressed masses. Though Girona couldn’t fairly sustain with Actual Madrid, Michel Sanchez’s group ended up qualifying for the Champions League, a primary within the membership’s historical past, and forward of Atletico Madrid at that. The Spaniard has put in his identify within the membership’s historical past.
Like most small groups making the large step, Girona struggled to deal with the strain that got here with the brand new standing. A number of necessary stars left, resembling Artem Dovbyk (AS Roma), Savinho (Manchester Metropolis), and Aleix Garcia (Bayer Leverkusen). However, sure loans couldn’t be signed completely, as was the case of Eric Garcia (Barcelona).
The consequence? Girona discover themselves sixteenth out of 20, claiming just one victory within the final 13 matches. This is similar group that performed towards Paris Saint-Germain and different Champions League giants earlier this season – and put up a good battle. But solely three factors separate Girona from relegation, which raises the query: what occurred ?
It’s one factor to lose key gamers. There is no such thing as a doubt that Aleix Garcia’s brilliance is exclusive, who has since continued to shine with Bayer Leverkusen. The Spaniard has earned himself common worldwide call-ups beneath Luis de La Fuente with La Roja, demonstrating he’s greater than only a breakout participant. As the first playmaker for the group final yr, discovering a substitute was greater than tough. One can argue that Yangel Herrera and Oriol Romeu have their qualities, although that’s changing one participant with two. No one would blame Girona for not discovering one other Aleix Garcia.
The issue isn’t shedding key gamers. Dovbyk turned probably the most prolific goal-scorer within the league, and Savinho probably the greatest dribblers in Europe. The problem comes with Girona’s board, who failed to offer comparable gamers, when it comes to profiles and high quality. Dovbyk, a cornerstone of Michel’s undertaking, was changed by Abel Ruiz. One factor Dovbyk stood out for, greater than scoring targets, was his bodily dominance. It made it a key side of Michel’s Girona, with Dovbyk profitable his duels within the field. A lone striker is sensible as such, the place there’s a fixed menace within the field.
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Ruiz is nowhere close to Dovbyk, in high quality or in profile. With none meant disrespect, Ruiz doesn’t dominate the penalty field. A shy striker who struggled to make the swap from academy to skilled soccer in Barcelona, he spent a time with Braga earlier than returning to Spain for €9m this summer time. As a consequence, Girona’s legendary Cristhian Stuani has performed increasingly usually, regardless of dangerously edging 40 years previous. Stuani has distinguished himself within the final years as a super-substitutes, his legs not permitting him to run as a lot as he’d like. It was certain to be a catastrophe if he have been to finish up because the starter, and with Bojan Miovski proving no extra scientific nor dominat within the field, Stuani usually seems to be their largest menace.
To lose one striker is one factor. To lose one other winger and fail to switch him as effectively is a dying want for what was a flowing assault. That is the place Girona is available in: few of the signings carried out because the anticipated degree. The membership signed Arnaut Danjuma on mortgage and Yaser Asprilla for a membership report €18m, within the hopes of bolstering the squad. Though not catastrophic, it’s truthful to say each gamers have been a tough move, or extra usually, missing one.
Girona was as soon as recognized to be the group to finish comeback after comeback, as Michel embraces an attacking philosophy. He was a risk-taker, the place Girona conceded targets however scored extra. This was doable due to the standard up entrance. All of that is gone, unrecognisable, all the way down to naive transfers. Out of a dozen signings, solely defender Ladislav Krejci will be thought-about successful. A conventional defender, he has been one of many few positives of the season. {That a} defender turns into crucial participant at Girona beneath Michel says loads.
The opposite situation that plagued Girona is typical of upcoming groups: a squad that isn’t able to compete in a number of competitions. Initially of the season, Girona’s Champions League qualification meant that Michel needed to juggle between the Champions League and La Liga. The squad was not prepared, along with a brand new squad given the essential exits up entrance. A scarcity of depth led to the inevitable: an damage disaster, bringing group morale down as they suffered defeat after defeat.
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It was beforehand talked about that Girona was recognized to be a risk-taking group, able to cost up entrance towards any group, irrespective of if Actual Madrid or Osasuna. As a result of accidents and the dearth of outcomes, this self-belief has vanished. It turned evident in Monday night time’s sport towards Actual Betis, with Girona being 3-0 down by half-time. The sense that Girona might beat anybody is gone, and was a giant a part of Michel’s philosophy, and with out it, the danger seems to be a lot much less wise.
Past signings, Michel’s footprint appears to have evaporated in Catalunya’s winds. A group as soon as feared for incessantly charging at their opponents like Sparta did within the previous instances, is now frightened of advancing, now dominated by paranoia. Girona have been warned: the dream season is on the verge of turning right into a nightmare.