“Not in the league of Madrid or Barca” – Girona boss Míchel defends his players after defeat | OneFootball

Girona head coach Míchel has this evening moved to defend his players, on the back of their meeting with Real Madrid.

Girona, of course, are fresh off an outing to remember.

Unfortunately for those of a Blanquivermells’ persuasion, though, this comes for altogether less than positive reasons.

After making the trip to Spain’s capital for a top of the table showdown with Real Madrid, the Catalans were dealt a harsh dose of reality, by way of an eventual 4-0 defeat.

Girona, in turn, have fallen a full five points off Real in the race for supremacy in Spain’s top-flight.

In truth, though, the Catalans should not be overly harsh on themselves, with it an absolute miracle that they remain in the title picture at all this deep into the campaign.

And this was precisely the message which the club’s boss was keen to push on the back of proceedings coming to a close at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Míchel highlighted the world-class talent boasted in counterpart Ancelotti’s ranks, adamant that his side are still in the midst of an ‘incredible season’:

“I have nothing to reproach, we have given everything but in duels they have been much superior. The Camavinga, Vini, Bellingham match… we are not at that level. It helps us to improve, when you face a high level , make you see your reality, we are having a good season seeing level, incredible season.

“Our league is not this: we are missing a step or two to be at the level of Real Madrid, that is the reality.

“We came to compete, to be able to fight at the highest level, but the truth is that at no time have I had the feeling that we could win. It helps us put our feet on the ground.

The Spanish tactician continued, as cited by Sport:

“I am the person most responsible. Our image beyond the result is growing, it is a club that is growing, no one can tell us anything: it was not a comfortable match, but I don’t think it will hurt us in the future.

“Winning each game has been difficult for us, but we have the humility to know how to lose; there is nothing to object to Madrid’s victory, they have been superior, few teams can stand up to Madrid when they go the way they have.

“We could have stopped them by taking a step back, but it is not our identity. I have exposed a lot to the players , less criticism of the players and more of me, therefore.

“Our League is Athletic, Betis, Real Sociedad, Valencia… we cannot be in the League of Madrid or Barça or Atlético, they are transatlantic. We are not the fourth candidate, that is what I have always thought.”

Conor Laird | GSFN