Girona returns to work (and repeats past mistakes)

GironaAs if starting the season late had not served as a warning last year, Girona returns to work with everything to resolve. Quique Álvarez's first project on the bench maintains the squad that threw the First Division into the bin: only Izan and Pyshchur, signed before the end of the season, when no one imagined that the Second Division was a real possibility; Iván Morante (Burgos) and the return of the loaned players, with the addition of the new technical staff, bring a different joy within a club that no longer spreads optimism but rather discouragement and frustration.

Since that cursed match in which the Girona team was unable to beat Elche, 47 days and 47 nights have occupied part of the nightmares of a subdued environment in the face of the sports management's inaction. Few encouraging news. No exciting signings beyond the arrival of midfielder Iván Morante, at zero cost. And, as if that were not enough, for the first time since 2017 Cristhian Stuani, one of the few reasons that would encourage blind faith in the desert crossing that awaits, is unemployed.

Because to not close, Girona has not even closed the renewal of the Uruguayan, even though the best player in the club's history is not just anyone, but also agreed from the outset: he wants to stay and retire at Montilivi, regardless of the category. But club and player have been chatting for two weeks and there is no agreement. The same applies to David López. A matter of time, one supposes.

The reason why those in charge are not getting down to business is that, for now, there is an excess of players. Although this is a bit ambiguous, because there are positions, such as central midfield, with only one occupant, that cry out to heaven. Last year, La Liga started with the squad undefined, and Girona suffered three consecutive defeats that caused Míchel to become enraged by the poor planning, an error that dragged on throughout the season. Nothing suggests that the market outcome will be more agile currently, and that is not good news. Precisely forecasts should serve to overcome these setbacks.

This Wednesday, 22 players with first-team contracts completed the process of passing medical tests and making their first contact with the gym, including players coveted for departure, such as Arnau Martínez, Fran Beltrán, Van de Beek, Iván Martín and Asprilla, to name a few. There are also seven players from the reserve team, managed until now by Quique Álvarez himself, probably the happiest person at the club these days. “When there is a relegation, it is normal for people to be upset. Players don't want to play in the Second Division. But my coaching staff and I do want to be here. We come from below, we do, and being here is a great opportunity. This is the energy we want to convey,” he said at his presentation.

Two names aside, also under contract, who will be incorporated (or not) later: Azzedine Ounahi and Viktor Tsygankov. The first, a hero in Morocco thanks to the brace against Canada that qualified his team for the quarter-finals against France, is increasing his price, and the club dreams of a collection that will climb between 20 and 25 million. For the second, not so much money will be obtained, because Girona only has 50% of his rights. Both have their days counted at Montilivi.

The richest in the Second Division

But if there is one thing the Girona club cannot complain about, it is precisely the economy. The squad has an approximate market value of 110 million euros: it is the most expensive in the Second Division, and by far. Almeria and Mallorca are worth 70 and 60 million, respectively; and doing a quick sum, it is clear that it is worth more than Eldenc, Sabadell, Celta Fortuna, Ceuta, Tenerife, Albacete, Andorra, Cordoba, Burgos, and Granada combined. Girona will be a big fish, probably the richest in the category, and is obliged to make it known.

Apart from that, what has already been earned, about 32 million. To be calculated between the part corresponding to the payment of the Krejci operation, carried out last summer, and that of Jhon Solís, about 7.5 million each; and the more than 17 million equivalent to the relegation aid distributed by La Liga. It will be a matter of investing them well.