The Galician coach who now speaks Catalan in just five months

GironaFive months after signing for Bàsquet Girona, Moncho Fernández is starting to use Catalan in press conferences. The Galician coach has adapted very quickly, both at the club and in the city. Furthermore, his sporting results have been on his side, and the Girona team is close to staying in the Endesa League, although they still have to secure it.

"I'm very happy to be here and I'm convinced that together we'll achieve it. I promise that my Catalan will improve because I want to be involved in this region, this club, and this city," he stated on the day of his presentation. The coach has kept his word and is already letting loose in press conferences. From day one, he has accepted questions in Catalan, but now he also tries to answer them.

"Hopefully it will be the day. It's up to us to be as competitive as possible, to fight, etc. It's important to focus not on the result but, as always, on the path to achieving it. Hopefully we can say we've already got it," he said. coach, who yesterday suffered a home defeat to Valencia (85-91) and Granada's victory over Breogán. These two results will force Girona to complete their objective in the two remaining matches.

The last victory against MoraBanc Andorra had a soothing effect. "We're very happy. It was a very important match, demanding of us. Just like in previous weeks, even after losing, we were in good spirits; but when you get a win, you're even better. It was another step forward and brought us closer to staying up, but things aren't achieved until they're achieved, but rather from that. From that, without losing our purpose," he recalled.

The manager's connection with Fontajau has been instant, and fans regularly celebrate the team's triumphs with the chant "Moncho, Catalan." "Fontajau has been fundamental for us. The support of the fans is key. In the end, we are entertainment. They are our reason for being. We live for those who come to see us and for those who support us. And these are not empty words. The support of the fans is key. Hopefully this Saturday, and I'm sure it will be like that, the fans will mobilize, and the fans and the coaching staff are very grateful that the arena is full."

A key example

Moncho follows in the footsteps of Míchel, the manager of Girona football club. The Madrid-born coach made an effort to speak Catalan from day one. "I came with open arms and eyes. If you arrive in a place with prejudices, you don't open yourself up enough to let people show you the truth. My mother always told me that""wherever you go, do as you see". For me it's a question of respect and education," the coach acknowledged.

Fernández's mother died when he was still the coach of Monbus Obradoiro. His parents lived in Barcelona for many years and, in fact, his sister was born in Ripollet. The family ended up returning to Galicia, but Catalonia always returned to Galicia. At 60, he went to make a living in Barcelona. And when I came to Girona, it occurred to me that I was following the same path they did: coming to Catalonia to work," explained the coach of Baloncesto Girona in an interview on The Deportivo.