Girona Shakes Up La Liga: From Relegation Threat to Title Contenders

Add as a preferred source on Google

Girona's chief executive, Ignasi Mas-Bagà, expresses astonishment at his team's unexpected success in leading the Spanish football league standings, surpassing giants Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Initially aiming to avoid relegation, Girona has exceeded expectations, and Mas-Bagà emphasizes the focus on long-term stability rather than short-term achievements.

Two years after Mas-Bagà assumed the role of CEO following the club's bankruptcy, Girona experienced a fortuitous turn of events in the summer of 2017.

Manchester City's Abu Dhabi ownership and Pere Guardiola jointly acquired the club shortly after its promotion to La Liga, marking the end of an 87-year absence from the top flight. City Football Group now holds 47%, Marcelo Claure 35%, and Pere Guardiola 16% of Girona.

Despite having a spending cap for salaries ranked 13th in La Liga, Girona benefits from its affiliation with City Football Group, gaining access to a vast network of clubs worldwide, scouting reports, and shared marketing strategies. The financial backing facilitates significant investments in infrastructure, such as a new training center and the renovation of the Montilivi Stadium.

Girona's success is attributed to coach Míchel Sánchez and sports director Quique Cárcel, who have transformed the team into a European sensation with 11 wins in 13 rounds. The squad lacks big-name stars, but the collaboration with City Football Group enables the loan of players like Yan Couto and Sávio, contributing to the team's performance.

The club has become a haven for players seeking second chances, with examples like Aleix García, Éric García, and Pablo Torre finding success at Girona. The team's playing style, avoiding "silly passes" and employing diverse attacking strategies, has been key to their achievements.

Mas-Bagà remains unfazed by potential challenges, such as Manchester City's alleged financial violations and the UEFA rule preventing two teams with the same owner from competing in the same tournament. He cites precedents of clubs with common ownership participating in UEFA competitions.

Looking ahead, Girona faces Barcelona in a significant match on December 10. Mas-Bagà sees the current success as a unique opportunity for future growth, with jersey sales expected to reach 1 million euros this season, a substantial increase from 2015.

The club is expanding its global presence, with fans from Japan to South America, and attracting attention from international brands. Mas-Bagà is optimistic about the future, leveraging the current momentum for the club's long-term benefit.

Chance For Redemption

Girona has become a haven for players seeking redemption, exemplified by Aleix García, who, after joining Manchester City as a teenager, was loaned to Girona and now permanently plays for the club.

García recently made history as the first Girona player to debut for Spain's national team. Other players, including Barcelona's Éric García and Pablo Torre, arrived on loan this summer, seeing Girona as a favorable opportunity.

Veterans David López and Cristhian Stuani from Espanyol have also extended their careers with Girona. Strikers Artem Dovbyk and Viktor Tsygankov, who left Ukrainian clubs post-Russia invasion, contribute to Girona's versatile attack.

Coach Míchel emphasizes strategic play, avoiding what he terms "silly passes" in midfield, focusing on purposeful and effective gameplay.

Undisturbed Amidst Worries

Mas-Bagà expresses no worry about potential repercussions for Manchester City's alleged financial rule violations or the UEFA regulation preventing two teams with the same owner from competing in the same tournament.

Despite the prospect of Girona and City both qualifying for the Champions League, he points to precedents, citing the case of Red Bull's ownership of Leipzig and Salzburg in 2017, where both clubs were allowed to participate in the next Champions League after investigation.

Mas-Bagà remains confident in navigating any challenges arising from the unique situation.

City Flaunts New Jerseys on Streets

As Girona gears up for a crucial game against Barcelona on December 10, the city, with a population of 100,000, is witnessing a shift in jersey preferences from Barcelona's iconic colors to Girona's red-and-white.

CEO Mas-Bagà sees this clash as a unique chance for future growth. Despite selling only 800 jerseys for 40,000 euros in 2015, Girona anticipates a significant boost this season, targeting sales of 1 million euros.

The success extends beyond Spain, with international sales reaching Japan, South America, and the United States. Mas-Bagà highlights the unforeseen global interest, as the club actively explores opportunities and collaborations with various brands, recognizing the current momentum as a prime moment for expansion.