Alejandro Francés: "It sucks coming to work and finding colleagues who don't want to be there"

GironaAlejandro Francés (Zaragoza, 2002) was one of Girona's signings for the Champions League. The defender speaks with ARA regarding the reality check that the organization has suffered, now in the Second Division, where the Girona team is fifth and hosts the leader Castelló this Saturday at Montilivi (18:30, LaLigaTV Hypermotion).

Considering the numerous problems you have had to face, one could say that the start is good enough.

— It is true that the relegation was a nuisance for everyone, because it was not in any forecast. Now we have known how to change our mindset, and the new coach and his technical staff are helping us a lot regarding the mental aspect. We are also not exactly the same, because the squad has undergone changes. We are trying to build a block and be a team, which in the Second Division is what you need the most. Honestly, I believe that we will be at the top of the table and will fight for beautiful things.

From the outside, it is interpreted that there are currently no internal divisions. Proof of this is how you celebrated the 0-1 with Gazzaniga in Gijón, after he was whistled at in Montilivi the week before.

— The season is very long and any of us can have a bad match. We trust him and the whole squad a lot. Gazzaniga was singled out and he showed that he is a great goalkeeper, with an assist included. This is one of the strengths we must have: when someone fails, we must support them, row by their side. In the end, it is about helping a teammate; the goalkeeper can make a mistake, but I can also make a mistake, or David López. It is impossible for us to move through 42 matchdays in excellence. And if we manage to be a team, we can spread a lot of joy, because we have great players who can make a difference with their talent.

The team has made headlines due to the fire in the locker room, with players refusing to play.

— It is tough to come to work and find teammates who do not want to be there, are at odds with the club, and do not contribute. But I also think that this has made us stronger. We have great captains who have known how to manage the situation as best as possible. I do not want to get into anyone's individual situation; in quotes, everyone is free to do what they consider. The positive part is that those of us who are here now truly want to be at Girona.

Personally, how have you experienced these months since the relegation?

— I felt a very big void, I had never experienced anything like it before. I needed all the warmth of my family. I wanted to disconnect as soon as possible, but you have a hard time. Especially at night, because it is the moment when your head goes over things the most. I couldn't stop asking myself what else I could have done to avoid it. But I can also say that my conscience is clear, because I gave it my all. Unfortunately, however, it was not enough. It is a hard ordeal, but I am only focused on reversing it and making this year the complete opposite and for people to have a good time. We will try to compete and above all to win, which in the end is the most important thing.

Have you figured out the reason why it descended?

— I have considered a lot of things. Furthermore, from the inside, there is a different perspective than from the outside. What I can say is that we players gave it our all. Perhaps we should have changed some approach or faced the final matchdays in a different way. But I also don't know if it's simply that we got blocked. I don't know, I don't know. Everyone will have their own opinion. What I hope is that it doesn't happen again. This summer there has been a change of scene in many ways, something that the club and the dressing room needed, and fresh air has come in. Together we must contribute, because this category is a war. Every match must be as if it were the last one, for us.

Did they have to convince you to continue or was it clear to you from the beginning?

— It is evident that with the relegation many players have been tempted to leave. I have been focused and mentally prepared not to move, but if the club had decided that a sale was best for everyone, I would have accepted it. There was indeed some real interest from other teams, but Girona, at all times, told me that they wanted me to stay and that I would be important, which is what I am looking for. Furthermore, the project here is very good: the goal is to return to the First Division as soon as possible. I want to feel a part of it, and the quality of life in the city is spectacular. Once you weigh all the elements, I clearly bet on Girona.

Have you had any doubts regarding your role? You signed as a center-back, but you haven't had consistency and you often play as a full-back.

— I came from Zaragoza, in the Second Division, and I signed not only for a First Division club, but for a Champions League team. The foundation was very good, Míchel had a very defined starting eleven, he didn't make many changes, and it wasn't easy to break into it, considering I was 22 years old. I believe I have more virtues as a center-back than as a full-back, but if I have to play as a full-back, I go out thinking that I have to be the best full-back that exists. Even if they make me play as a winger, what I will try to do is give my all for my teammates.

In case you were lacking competition at the axis, Junior is flying...

— I didn't know him and, if he continues with this mentality and character, he can be very important for Girona. Hopefully he continues at this level, because it will be good for everyone. In a team that aspires to be champion or to be promoted, it is normal for there to be this competition. Here there is demand, we are great footballers. It says a lot about the competitive level of the group that a 17-year-old kid is doing what he is doing. We will have to look after him all together, because in some match he will also fail.

You have played every possible minute on the right wing. You are also marking your territory.

— Sure, sure. If someone wants to take me out, they will have to do better. This is the great virtue we have: we are a broad squad, with footballers of diverse typologies. At certain moments we will need some things and, at others, others. And whoever plays will have to do it really well, because we all know that there are very prepared people waiting for their turn on the bench. This is what raises the level of Girona.

Nothing better to forget the pain than Girona returning to the First Division, right?

— Mainly I have stayed for this reason. And it stimulates me that the statistics say that very few clubs have gone up and down on the first attempt. It is a milestone that I want to achieve. We must have a mentality of winning, winning and winning, going up and managing to close the wound, which is deep.