FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - LaLiga - Atletico Madrid v Girona - Civitas Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain - August 25, 2024 Girona coach Michel before the match REUTERS/Isabel Infantes/File Photo
(Reuters) - Girona manager Michel said he was worried to see his team's performance during their 2-0 Serie A loss to lowly Valencia on Saturday, their third defeat in six LaLiga games this season.
Girona arrived in Valencia on the back of a heartbreaking 1-0 loss in the Champions League at Paris St Germain on Wednesday, when they conceded a last-minute goal due to a blunder by their goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga.
On Saturday, Girona were dominated by a Valencia side who were winless in their first five LaLiga games. Valencia finally snapped that lean spell by recording their first victory of the season.
"It's been a bad week, in terms of points and in terms of play," Michel told a press conference.
"Our tempo has been slow, we've had 70% possession and we haven't generated enough chances. Neither did our rivals, but in two losses they had two shots and they scored two goals.
"It worries me that we are not able to overcome pressure and go side to side quicker. You go all out in duels and when the opponent is also good in duels, it's a coin flip."
Despite thinking his side did not deserve to lose against Valencia, Michel said he was still not satisfied with Girona's performances and believes they are still a long way from reaching their true potential.
"We have to keep working. The reality is that we are far from our idea of the game," Michel said.
"We have lost a match without deserving it, although we are far from the offensive game to hurt our opponents. I think it was supposed to be a goalless draw, but I'm worried. We lack speed. It's something we need to improve."
(Reporting by Fernando Kallas)
