(Reuters) – Girona are aiming to bounce back in LaLiga after a heavy home loss to Barcelona in last weekend’s Catalan derby and a narrow defeat on a demanding Champions League night at Paris St Germain on their debut in midweek, manager Michel said on Friday.
Girona have two wins from five domestic league games, with two losses and one draw. Three days after a 4-1 defeat by Barca, Spain’s Champions League newcomers produced a resolute defensive performance to keep PSG’s attack at bay until late on.
The frustrated Parisian hosts continued to apply pressure, struggling to break through until a blunder by Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga gifted them a 1-0 win on Wednesday.
The Catalan side visit bottom-placed Valencia on Saturday and Michel said some of his players were still recovering from their arduous run of fixtures, having rested for three days.
“The team is back to thinking only about LaLiga,” Michel told reporters. “In situations of maximum physical and emotional exhaustion, perhaps there are still players who are still recovering. But our squad is very prepared.
“We need to be at our best and we need the team switched on … After the historic game against PSG, people who have been playing for more years can turn the page quicker.
“Now, my job is to detect which players are in a better state of mind. We have shown that we are a small team with pride. That’s why I need the people to be on board, to give the maximum help to their teammates.”
Valencia finished ninth in LaLiga last season, 32 points behind third-placed Girona and have just a draw from five games.
“Valencia will be a demanding game. They have only taken one point, but they are a team with very good players. At home they are very dangerous,” Michel added.
Girona host Rayo Vallecano next Wednesday after the trip to Valencia and play Feyenoord in the Champions League on Oct. 2.
(Reporting by Shifa Jahan in Bengaluru; Editing by Ken Ferris)
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