​Girona FC has reaffirmed that it will follow its planned course despite the drop to the Second Division. This message came from Pere Guardiola, the president of the Club’s Board of Directors, and Ferran Soriano, the CEO of the City Football Group, during a sponsors and business leaders meeting held at Mas Batlle. Both leaders underscored that the central objective remains to stabilize the club over the long term and to return to the top flight as quickly as possible.
Pere Guardiola stressed that the club’s strategic choices are driven by medium- and long-term considerations rather than short-term results. “From day one, the aim has been to stabilize the club in the First Division. We believed we had achieved that. But there are other factors at play too, such as the club’s history, magnitude, and size,” he explained. He added that football is a sport of constant improvement, where unexpected events can arise at any moment, and that this is part of the game’s greatness. “Every day you have to improve, and every day something unpredictable can happen.”
In defending the club’s sporting project, Guardiola voiced strong support for the sports management team and reaffirmed his full confidence in Quique Cárcel. “We trust Quique Cárcel because we see him working every day. Not only for the excellent results he has delivered in recent years, but also for the deep understanding of football that he and his team bring,” he stated.
Addressing the coaching change, Guardiola explained why Quique Álvarez was chosen as the new manager. “We selected Quique because, beyond the two outstanding years he has had coaching the reserve team, he has demonstrated his ability to manage groups and lead effectively. He is a prudent person who sets clear limits from the outset and does not create unnecessary fuss. He knows the club’s people well, and he has a strong football rapport with the sports director.” Guardiola emphasized that the decision was grounded exclusively in sporting criteria. “Quique Álvarez was chosen purely on a football basis, regardless of his name. We believe he can succeed with everyone’s support.”
Soriano, for his part, reiterated that Girona’s project is not derailed by relegation and recalled the club’s transformation over the past decade. He affirmed that the objective remains to entrench Girona among Spain’s elite. “What is the goal for Girona? To consolidate the team in the First Division. That is the aim. If you look back ten years, you’ll see how far we have come. Girona was unstable, lacking shareholders who could invest, and the crucial achievement over the years has been turning Girona into a real football club—one that exists, is stable, operates effectively, and is positioned to be a lasting presence in the sport.”
Soriano also highlighted that, despite the setback, the club’s development strategy continues to prioritize long-term stability and growth. He noted the progress made in building a robust organizational structure, reinforcing the importance of sustainable investment, disciplined management, and a clear roadmap for returning to the top division. The overarching message from both leaders was one of continuity: the plan remains intact, the leadership lineup is committed, and the focus is on delivering a durable, competitive Girona that can compete at the highest level once again.