Míchel hails Girona's fighting spirit: 'We've gained a point, hats off to my players'

Girona manager Míchel celebrated his side’s last-gasp draw like it was a proper three-pointer, despite nearly losing it all in the dying seconds against a stubborn Getafe outfit.

A point earned, not two dropped

The gaffer was chuffed with his team’s resilience against one of Europe’s most defensively solid sides. Getafe, known for their suffocating press and disciplined shape, made life difficult for the Catalan upstarts.

“We’ve gained a point, that’s how I see it,” said Míchel, clearly pleased his lads didn’t leave with their pockets empty.

The Madrid-born coach went on to shower praise on the opposition, acknowledging their effectiveness in transition and aerial threat after introducing “two big strikers” in the second half. Despite conceding what he described as “a great goal” following a turnover, Míchel remained philosophical about the risks his possession-based approach entails.

New signings make their mark

The match featured three debutants for Girona, with two starting and one coming off the bench. Míchel was particularly effusive about his new goalkeeper:

• Ter Stegen: The boss was absolutely buzzing about the former Barcelona man’s distribution with both feet and his “fantastic debut”
• Fran Beltrán: Praised for bringing the ball movement speed that’s been missing since Aleix Garcia’s departure
• Echeverri: The young Argentine impressed with his “brutal energy” going forward despite limited spaces, with Míchel highlighting his clarity and goal-scoring instinct as attributes the team has been lacking

Girona continue their impressive campaign, maintaining their position among the league’s frontrunners with this hard-earned point. For a team that was in the second division not too long ago, they’re certainly not just making up the numbers in La Liga this season. Proper job from the lads.