Girona Boss Predicts Atletico Madrid Title Charge in La Liga
Girona's manager, Michel Sanchez, has tipped Atletico Madrid for a strong title challenge in the upcoming La Liga season, praising their summer spending spree and the enduring impact of their manager, Diego Simeone.
Girona will face their rivals Atletico in the Spanish capital on 25 August, marking a notable encounter for the Catalans. Having achieved a historic third-place finish in La Liga last season, Girona secured their first-ever qualification for the UEFA Champions League. Their impressive campaign, which saw them finish five points clear of Atletico, marked a significant shift in the Spanish football landscape. Notably, it was the first time a team outside the "Big Three" â Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid â finished higher than fourth since Valencia in the 2011/12 season.
Sanchez was effusive in his praise for Simeone, acknowledging his transformative impact on the club. "Simeone has turned Atletico into one of the top teams in the world," he stated, as reported by Diario AS. "They are always in the Champions League, have won titles, and have established themselves at the highest level."
However, Sanchez's positive outlook extended beyond Simeone's managerial prowess, highlighting Atletico's recent transfer activity as a key factor in their potential for success. "This year they have made some very good signings and I think they are a title candidate," he added.
Indeed, Simeone has been highly active in the transfer market, injecting significant funds into his squad with a reported outlay of over â¬180 million on new players. The transfer window remains open until 30 August, leaving the possibility for further additions.
The substantial investments and Simeone's proven track record suggest that Atletico Madrid will be a formidable force in La Liga this season, and their upcoming clash against Girona promises to be an intriguing encounter as both teams prepare for their respective campaigns.
