Girona Look to Maintain LaLiga Momentum Against Villarreal

Girona manager Michel is seeking a strong reaction from his team as they face Villarreal in LaLiga, following a disappointing Champions League defeat.

Girona manager Michel is looking for a strong reaction from his team as they face Villarreal in LaLiga on Sunday, following a disappointing start to their Champions League campaign. Michel, 49, hopes that a win will provide a much-needed boost to his team's morale.

Girona has had a tough time in the Champions League, becoming the first Spanish team to lose four of their opening five matches. Their latest defeat was a bitter 1-0 loss to Austrian side Sturm Graz on Wednesday. This poor run of form has put additional pressure on the team to perform well in their upcoming LaLiga match against Villarreal.

“Despite the hard blow in the Champions League, now we have to bounce back and continue with the dynamic we had in the (Spanish) league,” Michel told a press conference on Saturday.

“If we win tomorrow the team will get some oxygen back.”

Girona is currently on a three-game winning streak in LaLiga, positioning themselves eighth in the standings with 21 points. Meanwhile, Villarreal, led by manager Marcelino Garcia Toral, is enjoying a strong run of form, sitting fourth in the table with 25 points.

“Villarreal are in a great moment. And to be as high up as possible we have to win games like tomorrow's match,” Michel added.

“If we win tomorrow we can look at the top. But it's a very difficult game. Villarreal in defence are always in balance to make a quick attack. In two or three passes they can have a chance to score.”

Girona manager Michel has expressed uncertainty about the availability of striker Viktor Tsygankov and midfielder Yaser Asprilla for the upcoming match against Villarreal. Tsygankov has been struggling with a hamstring injury since early October, and his fitness remains a concern.

“We have concerns regarding Tsygankov and Asprilla, as both finished the previous match with discomfort,” Michel said.