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.Girona star Portu rea reacts after missing a chance against Deportivo Alaves at Montilivi StadiumGetty Images3
Girona star Portu rea reacts after missing a chance against Deportivo Alaves at Montilivi Stadium
A 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.While Manchester City celebrate a domestic treble the Montilivi Stadium will now host Segunda Division football in SpainGetty Images3
While Manchester City celebrate a domestic treble the Montilivi Stadium will now host Segunda Division football in Spain
The 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.Girona’s Spanish coach Eusebio Sacristan couldn’t save the club from relegationGetty Images3
Girona’s Spanish coach Eusebio Sacristan couldn’t save the club from relegation
His 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.
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