The manager of Girona, Michel Sanchez, has admitted that he is studying English with the aim of making it easier to go to the Premier League if he is offered a job. Highly rated after his epic season with the Catalan club two years ago, things are back to normal somewhat.
Despite that, after taking Girona to third place, Michel was tipped by many to replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City whenever he moved on. That said, this was before Hugo Viana took over as sporting director at the Etihad. Speaking to Cadena SER, Michel revealed that he could be interested in a move to the Premier League, before admitting that he is ‘very happy’ at Montilivi.
“I study English when the opportunity arises; it’s a league where the stadiums, fans and clubs are unbelievable, it’s a very attractive league.”
Michel in the revival of Girona this season
This may have been his most difficult campaign with Girona, starting the season with three heavy defeats. Michel has publicly questioned the attitude of his players and management, but has turned things around in recent months.
“In the first five games I was frustrated because of that situation. To overcome that was very difficult; I had to understand that I am in a team where changes happen every year, and things get better from there.
Michel in management at Barcelona, Atlético and Real Madrid
Girona face Barcelona next, and he has spoken highly of the managers of all the big three, including former Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonson.
“For me, the best thing about Atletico Madrid is that Cholo has been there for 14 years and is a leader, and the good thing about Barca is Flick and the way they understand his players. What I saw in Xabi. [Alonso] as a coach I liked him a lot, but I don’t know if he was able to develop his ideas the way he liked.”
One of Alonso’s biggest criticisms from his players was that he was giving them hundreds of tactical video sessions, which is the cause of the complaint against the Basque manager.
“If my players would complain because I show them long videos, we would have a problem, but the problem will be mine, because that will mean that my method will not show them. The players are smart enough to know whether you will help them or not.”
Status of Rayo Vallecano
Before Girona, Michel was loved in Vallecas, where he grew up, became a player and managed the team.
“We will not get to the point where we stop the game because the stadium is not there, it is becoming clear now but it could have been left earlier, things must be done better because professional football wants that.”
Rayo Vallecano’s coaching staff and players signed a statement complaining about facilities and working conditions last week, just hours before their match against Real Oviedo was canceled on the morning of the match. This match has been postponed to March 4, and this weekend will be played at Leganes’ Butarque, as the field is not ready to play.
