"If we go to Cádiz confident, it's the first step to losing" | OneFootball

Girona faces a new competition day this Saturday with a visit to Cádiz CF, a demanding duel that the red-and-white coach, Quique Álvarez, has described as an important test to continue growing despite last week's setback. The coach explained that the team has thoroughly analyzed the match against Castellón and emphasized the need to stay true to the established work plan. “We have analyzed what happened. One action greatly influenced the match, but in addition, we faced a very experienced opponent who has been together for nearly two seasons. The result cannot divert us from our path. There are things to improve, but we must continue on this route,” he assured.

Looking ahead to the Cádiz match, Álvarez warned about the potential of the opponent, regardless of their start to the season. “If we go to Cádiz overconfident, it will go badly. Even though they haven’t won any matches yet, they will come out strong. Right now, they are in a process of change because they changed their coach and ownership a week before the season started, but going there overconfident is the first step to losing,” he remarked. In this regard, the coach highlighted Girona's determination to take the lead and compete with ambition. “We need to make Cádiz feel that they are facing a team with ambition and a desire to win,” he added.

The coach also addressed the impact that the international break will have on the squad. With several players called up by their national teams in the coming weeks, Álvarez acknowledged the challenges this poses, especially in a league that does not pause. “It’s good for a team to have internationals because it shows their quality, but obviously, it’s a problem because the Segunda doesn’t stop,” he explained. Even so, he expressed confidence that the team has the resources to handle this situation. “Starting next week, several players will leave with their national teams, but that’s why we have the rest of the squad and the academy players. We need to find solutions to minimize the problem.”

Finally, Quique Álvarez provided an update on Portu, one of the most beloved figures in the Girona locker room. The coach confirmed that the player is now entering the final phase of his recovery and highlighted the importance of his presence beyond the sporting aspect. “Portu is now in the final stretch of his return. For us, it’s an important step to have him both on the pitch and in the locker room,” he concluded.