Girona manager Michel Sanchez makes a big statement after the defeat of Athletic Club

Manager of Girona Michael Sanchez sent a shot of optimism to his fans and players, despite the defeat at the Athletic Club in San Mames. The Catalans had a 10-point gap to Athletic in fifth, but that gap has been reduced to just 7 now, with 13 games to go in the season. Michel says they will be in the fight for the Champions League.

Almost completed a dramatic comeback in stoppage time, in the end Girona fell for three mistakes at the back that allowed Alex Berenguer and Inaki Williams.

“They can't ask that we always win. The individual errors belong to the whole team. I ask that they play the ball outside, yes we played too many steps behind, especially in their second goal. But this (style) has us given the option to get here and have the chance to come and win in San Mames.”

He put together a three-game hitting streak Gerona they mustered just one point against Real Sociedade, after being demolished by Real Madrid last weekend. However Michel was positive. Previously, he had always maintained that they were only aiming for European qualification, but now Michel confirmed that his team would go for a top four.

“At San Mames everyone suffered. The data is good, we generated chances and so did Athletic, of course. They are the ones who push the most at home in the League and just defending wasn't going to get us anywhere. They were three complicated games and maybe that day in Madrid we were not ourselves. In the other two, yes, we were, and still are, in a privileged position.”

“I'm not saying we're a Champions League team, but we're not going to be out of contention. I'm telling you, it's probably going to come back to bite me and I'm going to be thrown back, but we're going to fight for the Champions League.

Girona now faces a four-match series where the highest-ranked team is Getafe in 10th, before meetings against Real Betis and Atletico Madrid. They have an added advantage over their competitors, in that they have no cup competitions to pursue at the same time.