Álvarez demands mental freedom from Girona before the challenge in Oviedo
At the Carlos Tartiere stadium, coach Quique Álvarez appeared calm in front of the press, recalling that Girona is going through a character test after two consecutive defeats and emphasizing the need to clear the mind to continue its path towards promotion.
He defended the need to manage adverse moments without losing confidence in the work done. “When you win it seems that the weeks are easier, but our job is to analyze why we have lost these matches,” he explained. He added that, from a good moment to another of doubt, what must be done is to clear the mind and stay the course, improving what is not done well. Álex Luna also took part in the pre‑match, reinforcing the message of unity.
Managing pressure and promotion objective
He insisted that pressure has been part of the team’s reality since the start of the season. Far from lowering expectations, he recalled that the promotion objective has always been present in the dressing room. “Neither the players nor I have hidden who we are. We have that objective and we must live with it,” he said.
Tactical challenges and Raúl González’s debut
He pointed to the match in Oviedo as an opportunity to react and regain confidence. The last two defeats, against Real Sociedad B and Almería, left the side without reward despite remaining competitive. He highlighted that both games were decided by minimal differences and that the team must find solutions so that small details do not work against them. He warned that things are tipping to the other side and that a similar match will be found in Oviedo.
The visit to Carlos Tartiere will also mark Raúl González’s debut on the Asturian bench. The coaching change introduces a tactical unknown for Girona, which has studied the former Madrid player’s latest spell in charge of Castilla. “We know his players individually, but we wonder what Raúl will do,” Álvarez acknowledged. “Raúl is Raúl. Because of what he has been, expectations have risen and his fans will surely fill the stadium,” he noted.
He considered that this scenario should become a boost for his players. An away victory would allow the dynamics to change and face the next fixtures with greater energy.
Medical situation and squad options
In the medical section, he confirmed that no players will be recovered for the match. Bryan Gil was the footballer with the best chance of returning, but he has not yet completed training normally. Javier Boñar remains out, while Vanet, Junior and Asprilla will be absent due to international commitments. Mauro Furtado left Wednesday’s training in an ambulance after receiving a strong blow to the knee.
The coach explained that the player has a significant inflammation and that there is still no definitive diagnosis. “It was a big scare. We are waiting for the results of the tests they did at the hospital,” he said, and expects more information this Friday. Unai Hernández has progressively consolidated his place, being a starter in the last three fixtures. Álvarez valued his development and the importance of accumulating minutes to regain his best version.
“Unai provides football from within and a connection with the striker. We are happy with his performance,” he highlighted. When asked about patience with the coaches, Álvarez avoided showing concern for his personal situation. He acknowledged that professional football offers little room for long‑term projects, although he assured that he has always lived with that reality from a place of calm.