Relegation followed by silence from City Football Group leaves angry Girona fans looking for answers
Every positive value has its price in negative terms.As Manchester City were busy celebrating a domestic treble at Wembley, one of the other clubs under the ownership of City Football Group were left searching for answers over a dramatic relegation.Answers that Girona fans feel have been anything but forthcoming.
Getty Images
3Girona star Portu rea reacts after missing a chance against Deportivo Alaves at Montilivi StadiumA small but strong core of those supporters have been with Girona long before City appeared in the picture. With the club when it first fell at the final hurdle in search of LaLiga promotion in 2013. Then again in 2015 and 2016.It was only when Girona had sealed ascent to the Spanish top flight in 2017 that City finally made their move and became co-owners, sparking optimism about investment and assistance in helping the Blanc-i-vermells to become an established LaLiga force. Optimism that ultimately proved to be wishful thinking at least to date.Girona finished 10th in the Spanish first division last season, comfortably extending their stay in the elite, but the majority of the key architects predated any opportunistic interest from outside forces.The principle of them was the coach, Pablo Machin, who arrived when Girona looked certain to be heading for relegation to the third tier in March 2014. Machin turned things around with exceptional skill, giving the Catalans a clear identity and a playing style that not only proved effective in earning promotion, but also in troubling top flight sides. Essential too was a key group of players who earned that ascent then made the leap up to LaLiga with admirable ease. Juanpe, Pere Pons, Alex Granell, Portu and Borja Garca were all essential in Gironas dream first season in La Liga, and all had been standout members of the team that finished second in the Segunda.Citys investment in the squad in the summer of 2018 was minimal, perhaps because it wasnt needed. But one day it would be, inevitably.And that is when the problems started. On the brink of their second season, it was clear to anyone paying attention that Girona would need reinforcements. Yet no replacement was signed for key player Pablo Maffeo, who City sold to Stuttgart. Nor left-back Johan Mojica, a long-term injury absentee following the World Cup.With main goalscorer Cristhian Stuani due to turn 32 during the current season, a support striker was surely needed. The answer? Seydou Doumbia, due to turn 31, well past his best, and who has worked out predictably badly.
Getty Images
3While Manchester City celebrate a domestic treble the Montilivi Stadium will now host Segunda Division football in SpainThe biggest decision of all to be taken was regarding the next coach. Machin, the charismatic architect of Gironas glory, constructor of their identity and someone who should have become their equivalent of Diego Simeone, departed for Sevilla after only one season in LaLiga.Was it simply a case of his ambition leading him elsewhere? Or did the strong-willed managers refusal to be a yes-man, not caving and playing the kind of football some people behind the scenes felt was necessary to show off the talents of Citys loan kids, also play its part?The coach who was brought in someone who does favour the possession game that is felt to be the desired platform for Citys pupils has been nothing short of a disaster.Eusebio Sacristn is one of footballs most pleasant people, but unfortunately the evidence suggests that he is not a particularly good coach. Certainly not one refined enough to keep a squad with the structural weaknesses Gironas had this season among Spains elite.While he was not handed an easy task, the veteran managers decision making has often been confusing. Attempting to completely change Gironas game from the Machin days before quickly giving up and reverting to a version of the old, before doing an about turn and chopping and changing some more, Eusebio took one of the teams with the clearest identities in LaLiga and turned them into a diluted, confused mess in nine months.
Getty Images
3Girona’s Spanish coach Eusebio Sacristan couldn’t save the club from relegationHis squad selection has been equally difficult to understand. Youngster Pedro Porro emerged from the youth team as an unexpectedly reliable solution at right-back, but was ostracised in the winter.Attacker Patrick Roberts showed glimpses of the kind of spark and ingenuity that Girona desperately needed with key player Portu struggling to find his form, but was dropped by Eusebio in the spring, his confidence shredded. By the time the final stretch of the season arrived it was clear where Eusebios reign was going.Yet still, there was no action. Silence. Absence. On Saturday, the outcome was mathematically sealed, Girona confirmed to be back in the second tier.The anger is palpable, and answers are wanted. Football is about emotions, and the fans, even if they dont own the club, at the minimum deserve the courtesy of the explanation they havent been given for months, Diari de Gironas Jordi Xargay fumed.Theyre still waiting.
Adam Lallana wants to return to Southampton this summer as he seeks to take advantage of his few remaining playing years, the Express reports. The 31-year-old has missed almost as many days as Daniel Sturridge has through injury while at Liverpool, making it very difficult to ever really kick on at Anfield.
NewsNow: Adam Lallana news | Breaking News & Search 24/7
Newcastle United transfer news: Magpies warned they can't afford top target Sebastien Haller Premier League side must go back to the drawing board as they hunt for top striker By talkSPORT
Magpies warned they can't afford top target Sebastien Haller
'In a few years, you might need it': Mario Gotze reveals hilarious story about Jurgen Klopp's hair transplant and how Liverpool boss jokingly said he would save doctor's number for him
Trent Alexander-Arnold reveals desire to stay with boyhood
Zlatan Ibrahimovic. has received a 2-match ban for grabbing New York City FC goalkeeper Sean Johnson by the neck during Los Angeles Galaxy's defeat last weekend, Major League Soccer said Friday. In a statement announced by The MLS Disciplinary Committee, the sanction was meted to Ibrahimovic for violent conduct after the incident in the 86th
Zlatan banned: Ibrahimovic hit with two-match ban after
"It's all about the cups" - Ray Parlour urges Arsenal to focus on Europa League and FA Cup success after West Ham defeat aspirations for this season and focus on the FA Cup and Europa
It's all about the cups" - Ray Parlour urges Arsenal to focus
Chelsea vs Man United player ratings: Paul Pogba stars yet
Haris Belkebla axed from Algeria's Africa Cup of Nations squad… for flashing his bum on Fortnite live stream; Ed Woodward 'to remain in charge of Manchester United's transfers' as sporting director appointment scrapped; Chris Kamara joins David Beckham, Vinnie Jones and Pele in swapping the pitch for the screen
Algeria's Haris Belkebla Kicked Out Of AFCON Squad After
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel hints that his son, Kasper Schmeichel, is unhappy at Leicester City. Leicester City boss Claude Puel suggests that an injury to Manchester
Kasper Schmeichel - Wikipedia
The latest Tweets from John Campbell (@John_Cam2013): "Positive substitution made by @Boro bringing on @_MarcusTavv gives Boro better balance & another attacking threat.
Freddie Woodman: Leeds United, Celtic and Arsenal linked with
hollywoodadviser.com/freddie-woodman-leeds-united-celtic-and-arsenal-linked-with-newcastle-goalkeeper-ahead-of-january-transfer-window/
gossip The Whites are keen on signing the Under-20 World Cup winner on loan when the transfer window reopens Leeds United, Celtic and Arsenal are all keeping tabs on Newcastle goalkeeper Freddie Woodman ahead of the January transfer window, according to reports.
Girona - talkSPORT
Brazil have been given an injury scare ahead of the Copa America after star forward Neymar limped out of training on Tuesday, having appeared to damage his left knee. The incident came just a day
Copa America: Neymar limps out of Brazil training with knee
Championship round-up: Last-gasp Norwich stay top after the Baggies' 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on Friday, Sheffield United beat Reading 2-0 in the late game on Saturday to go third.
Championship round-up: Last-gasp Norwich stay top | USA
usasportsradar.com/soccer/championship-round-up-last-gasp-norwich-stay-top/
Nahki Wells opened the scoring for Steve McClaren's team but Kemar Roofe struck either side of half-time - the second from the penalty spot - to earn Leeds victory. Derby leapfrogged West Brom into third, after the Baggies' 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on Friday, with a 1-0 win at Wigan.
Championship round-up: Last-gasp Norwich stay top - Panda Radio
The Sir Alex Ferguson tactic at Manchester United that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will ignore this weekend. Ferguson used to roll out a familiar line when Man Utd played Tottenham, but it's unlikely
No comments:
Post a Comment