Girona coach Michel offered a candid reflection on his team’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League, acknowledging the Reds as one of the tournament’s elite sides. Liverpool’s victory came courtesy of a second-half penalty, converted by Mohamed Salah after Donny van de Beek was penalized for a foul on Luis Diaz.
Despite the result, Girona showcased their resilience and competitive spirit. Michel praised his players’ efforts, emphasizing their ability to challenge a formidable opponent. He highlighted Liverpool’s quality, describing them as the “best team in the Champions League.”
“We played well against the best team in the competition,” Michel said. “The fans should be proud of our players’ performance. Defending against a team with such great talent is always challenging, but we adapted well.”
The La Liga side created several opportunities but couldn’t find the back of the net. Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker made crucial saves to keep Girona at bay. Reflecting on the match, Michel lamented his team’s missed chances but took pride in their approach.
“In the first half, we held our own and created scoring opportunities. Taking possession away from Liverpool is extremely difficult,” Michel admitted. “We managed to execute transitions effectively and generated chances. If we had scored, the dynamic of the game could have shifted entirely.”
Michel also analyzed his team’s tactical adjustments, noting their efforts to neutralize Liverpool’s key players. “We worked to ensure that Virgil van Dijk lacked a clear reference point in defense,” he explained. “We identified free players in key areas, which allowed us to create opportunities on the break.”
Despite the defeat, Michel viewed the experience as a valuable learning opportunity. “Facing one of the world’s best teams teaches you a lot. While I’m proud of our performance, I recognize areas where we can improve,” he said. “This match shows how much we’ve progressed, but also how far we still have to go.”
Regarding the penalty decision that ultimately decided the match, Michel expressed his thoughts on the use of VAR. “When I saw the incident, I understood the call,” he said. “Van de Beek stepped on Diaz’s boot, and in today’s VAR-driven reality, those moments are always scrutinized. While I don’t necessarily like such decisions, I accept the outcome.”
In conclusion, Michel expressed pride in his team’s efforts and determination to continue improving. “This game was a mirror for us,” he said. “It’s a testament to our hard work and the recognition we’ve earned. We competed well, and we’ll use this experience to grow and enhance our performances moving forward.”
