Soccer-Girona must forget all about last season’s dream run, Michel says

Loss to Almeria a wake-up call for promoted side

Spanish minnows Girona must put last season’s remarkable Copa del Rey run behind them and focus on staying in La Liga, coach Michel said on Tuesday.

Michel’s side enjoyed a fairytale run to the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey last term, beating reigning champions Valencia and holders Real Betis on the way before losing to eventual winners Real Madrid.

But their success in the cup coincided with a disappointing league campaign which saw them finish 11th in the second division and only secure promotion via the playoffs.

Girona began their return to the top flight with a 1-0 defeat by Almeria on Monday and Michel believes his side must quickly adapt to the demands of La Liga.

• “We have to forget about last season’s Copa run,” Michel told reporters.
• “That’s history now. We need to focus on the present and that’s staying in La Liga.”
• “The defeat to Almeria was a wake-up call for us.”
• “We need to be more competitive and more ruthless in front of goal.”
• “We have a lot of work to do but I’m confident we can stay up.”

Girona’s next match is at home to Getafe on Friday.