On Wednesday, Girona will take on AC Milan in the Champions League, knowing that anything short of a win will see them exit the competition. As things stand, the Catalans are five points off the final play-off spot, so they would need two wins in their last two games, among other results going their way.
Primarily, the focus is on Milan, and Girona head coach Michel Sanchez gave his thoughts on the match during his press conference on Tuesday (via Diario AS).
“We are playing at a venue like San Siro, against a historic rival in Europe, Milan, so we have enough incentives to play a great match and earn the prestige that Girona, thanks to its growth, acquires. Milan also has a lot at stake and if we have even the slightest chance, we have to fight for it. Victory would give us a minimal option and one last day of living at home to move on to the next phase. And for us it is a dream.”
“We are going to field the best eleven possible to try to win and give our best version. San Siro is historic and Milan is one of the greats of Europe. A lot of history, but our maturity and mentality will lead us to play a great game. I don't see the stage fright to be able to give a good version. We have to have a collective mentality.”
Despite the odds being firmly against Girona in their bid to reach the knockout stages, Michel is not giving up.
“We look at our goal. If you think about it, at the beginning of the Champions League we were talking about how they would take you to the next stage with nine or ten points. We'll see how many we need, but I'm sure by winning tomorrow we'll have a chance. To have a chance on the last day of play, you have to win. I don't care what happens to the other teams. Achievements will get you to the place you deserve. The goal is to reach the last day alive.”
Girona must bounce back from the weekend's disappointing defeat to Sevilla, even if it will be very tough. And to make matters worse, they will once again have to make do without the injured Miguel Gutierrez, who has been linked with a return to Real Madrid in recent weeks.
Comments