There are just a few hours until liverpool’s first match in history against Girona. With three points, the Reds can likely secure a place in the round of 16. The task may turn out to be less challenging than anticipated in August,as the Spaniards have had a weak start to the season.
In La Liga, Girona has gathered 22 points and is currently in ninth place after 16 rounds. In the Champions League, they risk being eliminated as early as tonight if they do not manage to secure any points. Additionally, they faced an early exit from the Copa del Rey after a loss to the fourth-division team Logroñés last week.
Despite this, Arne Slot warns against underestimating the team he describes as ”the Spanish version of Leicester.”
– It is very special what they have achieved here, especially last season. They were close to being the Spanish version of Leicester City when they were fighting for the league title. With that budget, it says a lot about how good manager Michel is, the Dutchman said.
– This season, I think they have performed better than the results indicate. I have watched all thier matches, except against PSV Eindhoven, and they have been unlucky in almost every game. Against Paris Saint-Germain and Feyenoord, they had the odds against them – they wasted two penalties against Feyenoord, and Feyenoord also missed one. They have been competitive in all matches except against PSV Eindhoven. Thus, we need to be at our best tonight to achieve a good result.
“Daley Blind-style”
Girona may not be a team that many Liverpool supporters typically sit down to watch, but it is indeed useful to have a summary from Arne Slot about what to expect in tonight’s match.
– I like their style of play and how they approach football. Last season, I watched many of their games, and I found it engaging how they used their full-backs. They pull them into the field and give them freedom.It wasn’t something you saw frequently enough before, but now you see more teams doing it. It was very exciting to follow.
After challenging periods at Bayern Munich and Ajax, Dutchman Daley Blind found his form last season, which did not go unnoticed by his fellow countryman Slot.
– They have a very good plan, wont to play out from the back, and have many skilled players. As a Dutchman, I particularly liked Daley Blind. He faced criticism towards the end of his time at Ajax after a long period of positive reviews.
– If you saw him play here last season, it was classic Daley Blind-style. So comfortable on the ball, playing through the lines and helping his team. they have many good players, but as a fellow countryman, I want to highlight him, Slot concluded.
Girona – Liverpool kicks off at 18:45, and will be broadcast live on TV 2 Sport Premium and TV 2 Play.
What past importance does the match between Liverpool and Girona hold for both clubs?
Interview: Preparing for Liverpool’s Historic Match Against Girona
Editor of Time.news Interviews Football Expert Arne Slot
Q: welcome, Arne! In just a few hours, Liverpool is set to face Girona for the first time in history. How do you assess the match-up ahead of kickoff?
A: Thank you for having me! it’s an exciting moment in football. Liverpool can secure a place in the round of 16 with a win tonight, which puts them in a strong position.Though,it’s critically important to recognize Girona’s potential. Their slow start this season might suggest they’re vulnerable, but I warn against underestimating them.
Q: Girona might not be a club that Liverpool fans regularly follow. What should they know about Girona’s current form?
A: Girona has gathered 22 points in La Liga, placing them in ninth after 16 rounds. It’s been a challenging season for them, especially with an early exit from the Copa del Rey after losing to Logroñés. However, they’ve been competitive in the Champions League, despite not securing points. They’ve been quite unlucky in matches against teams like PSG and Feyenoord,where they struggled with penalties.
Q: You’ve referred to Girona as the “spanish version of Leicester.” Can you elaborate on that comparison?
A: Absolutely! last season,Girona was in the fight for the league title with a modest budget,similar to what Leicester achieved in the Premier League a few years back. It speaks volumes about their manager, Michel, and the remarkable job he’s done. They have a strategic approach that allows them to compete against teams with bigger resources.
Q: what aspects of Girona’s playing style stand out and may challenge Liverpool?
A: Girona has an engaging style, utilizing their full-backs creatively.They pull them into central areas, allowing for fluidity in play. This tactic has become more popular, and Girona executes it well. I especially enjoy their plan to play out from the back, and they possess skilled players who are cozy on the ball.
Q: Speaking of players, you’ve mentioned Daley Blind. How pivotal is he for Girona, especially in this match?
A: Daley Blind is a critical player for Girona. After facing challenges at Bayern munich and Ajax, he found his rhythm here and has become pivotal in guiding their strategy.His ability to play through the lines and maintain composure under pressure adds great value to the team’s performance. As a fellow Dutchman, I admire how he contributes to their style of play and helps the team build from the back.
Q: With everything at stake for both teams, how should Liverpool approach this game?
A: Liverpool needs to be on their toes. They must respect Girona’s capabilities and not take them lightly. While they are favored to win due to their notable experience and depth, it’s crucial for them to maintain high intensity and capitalize on scoring opportunities, especially given Girona’s mixed recent results.
Q: Any final thoughts as we approach kickoff?
A: This match is not just historic; it’s pivotal for both teams’ aspirations in Europe. Liverpool has the quality to secure their spot in the round of 16, but they must bring their A-game against a Girona side that, despite their challenges, can deliver surprises. It will be an enthralling match to watch!
Girona vs. Liverpool kicks off at 18:45 and will be broadcast live on TV 2 Sport premium and TV 2 Play.