Of the last four teams that stood at 44 points after seventeen rounds, three became champions. However, Girona coach Míchel doesn't want to look too far ahead, after his team maintained the top position by winning against Alavés (3-0) on Monday night.
Girona FC's remarkable run in La Liga has been the talk of the Spanish football world. The team has managed to stay ahead of Real Madrid at the top of the league, a feat that has surprised many. With eight wins in their last nine league matches, Girona has shown consistency and resilience.
This impressive streak is even more notable considering their only points drop since the end of September was against Athletic Bilbao, further solidifying their position as a formidable force in Spanish football.
Daley Blind and his teammates are not just keeping pace with Real Madrid; they are leading the race, with a significant nine-point lead over Barcelona, the reigning champions. This lead is not just a matter of a few good games; it's the result of consistent, high-level performance throughout the first half of the season. The team's success is backed by statistics from Opta, which reveal that in recent history, teams with similar points tallies at this stage of the season have often gone on to win the championship. This statistic adds weight to the possibility of Girona clinching the title, a thought that seemed far-fetched at the season's start.
Coach Míchel, while pleased with his team's performance, is cautious about getting ahead of themselves. He acknowledges the team's exceptional performance, comparing it to that of past champions. However, he emphasizes the importance of taking the season one game at a time and not getting carried away with thoughts of winning the league just yet. This grounded approach is aimed at keeping the team focused and maintaining the high level of play they have exhibited so far.
The true test of Girona's title credentials will come in the upcoming matches. Their next game against Betis is anticipated to be challenging, and how they perform in such fixtures will be crucial in determining their title hopes. While Míchel prefers to focus on immediate challenges rather than the prospect of a title, the team's current standing in La Liga undoubtedly puts them in the conversation for the championship.
Alavés coach Luis García's outright labeling of Girona as a title contender reflects the growing belief in the football community about Girona's potential. However, Míchel remains grounded, focusing on the immediate future rather than getting caught up in title talk. He values the moment and the support from the fans, emphasizing the positive mentality of his players, which he believes is key to maintaining their current level of performance. The next few rounds of La Liga will be crucial for Girona as they seek to sustain their dream run and possibly turn it into a historic title-winning season.
