Girona coach Michel claims his side are not Madrid's title rivals

Girona coach Michel Sanchez took responsibility for his side's 4-0 drubbing at the Santiago Bernabeu, asked that there be no criticism of his players, and defended that "it is not a painful defeat" but "a learning experience" for a team whose objective was never to fight for the title.

"It's not a painful defeat, it's a learning experience to put us in our place. Our rival is not Real Madrid, we are not really at that level. We're in a dream and we're still in it," he told a press conference.

"We needed a bad version of Madrid and a good one from us. It was more their merit than demerit on our part. I have nothing to reproach my players for. They gave everything, but they were far superior in duels. The performances of Vinicius, Camavinga and Bellingham make you realise the reality when you face a team of such a high level," he added.

For Michel, the second defeat in La Liga, against the same opponent, does not tarnish the campaign they are having. "We are having an incredible season and we have to recognise that this is not our race. We have very young players at a very high level, but we are one or two steps away from the level that Real Madrid demand".

 

February 10, 2024

"We knew that competing for La Liga title at the Bernabeu was not our objective. We wanted to play a good game and fight Real Madrid toe-to-toe. We didn't get it and the maximum responsibility is mine because I asked for high pressure. I exposed the players because it was the right time. Let there be no criticism of them, the maximum responsibility is mine. We had nothing to lose, a lot to win and we are in a privileged situation", he said.

"Our race is against Athletic, Betis, Valencia. We can't be in Real Madrid's race. We are points ahead of Barcelona and Atletico, but they are not in our race, they are three huge teams. We are not the fourth title contender, I have always thought so. We are working with humility and if we continue to work hard we are candidates to play in Europe next season", he said.

Yan Couto was singled out for all of Real Madrid's goals, always outplayed by Vinicius Junior and ended up giving away a penalty. He left the Bernabeu in desolation on a day when he was judged by the 'Madridismo' after seeing his name linked to the club for next season.

"These things have to be useful for him. A week ago he wasn't a Real Madrid player, and now he's not the worst player at Girona. He has a very high level, but he is 21 years old. He is already an international with Brazil. He has paid for all the things that have happened around him, it's normal. He'll get over it, it's good for him, it's good that he knows how to assimilate it and that he has the humility to continue working", he said.

What Míchel made clear is that he never intended to adopt a defensive approach, betraying his way of seeing football. "I could have planned a game to come out on top. You can lose 1-0 by being defensive, in a low block, with three centre-backs. Our moment as a club requires us to give our best version of what we had done throughout the year and show that we were there on our own merits. I've been ridiculed and it's a learning experience".