Michel, the head coach of Girona, has expressed his excitement ahead of facing Liverpool in the Champions League on Tuesday, describing the matchup as a “dream” come true.
The Spanish side faces a formidable challenge against a Liverpool team that sits atop both the Premier League and Champions League standings under manager Arne Slot. Girona, on the other hand, has found it tough this season, sitting ninth in La Liga and ranked 30th in the new Champions League format.
For Michel, who played for Rayo Vallecano during his career, the upcoming fixture against Liverpool has long been an aspiration. “It means a lot to me,” he shared.
“When I was at Rayo, I used to sing, ‘Next year, Rayo-Liverpool.’ Playing against them has always been a dream. Whether it’s at Anfield or here, it’s a dream for everyone involved.”
Girona’s presence in the Champions League is the result of a remarkable rise under Michel’s leadership since he took charge in July 2021. Starting in Spain’s second division, Michel guided Girona to promotion in his first season and a stunning third-place finish in La Liga in the 2023/24 season.
However, balancing domestic and European campaigns has been challenging this season, as the team has struggled to maintain form. Despite this, Michel remains an admired tactician and is eager to take on Liverpool’s high-intensity style of play.
“Liverpool dominate all aspects of the game,” Michel acknowledged. “Their play is dynamic, their structure is adaptable, and their players excel in intensity and pressure. If you fall behind, they win duels. If they defend deep, they are strong in the air. We’ll need to run harder than ever, but we’ll focus on being the best version of ourselves.”
Liverpool heads into the match well-rested after their weekend fixture against Everton was canceled due to Storm Darragh. Slot has confirmed he will not rotate heavily, opting instead for a strong lineup.
“Everyone is fit since we skipped Saturday’s game,” Slot explained. “There’s no reason to rotate from the last match. We’ll start with a very strong team tomorrow.”
The stage is set for Girona to host their dream fixture, but the task of stopping Liverpool will require nothing less than their very best performance.