Quique Álavrez believes Girona’s meeting with Mallorca is exactly the kind of test his side need right now. With Girona still in a process of improvement, he described the trip as “una buena prueba para ver cómo estamos” ahead of one of the stronger fixtures in Segunda División.
Speaking before the match, Álavrez also gave an update on the squad, with Bryan Gil and Fran Beltrán among the players who could be available. He said both are still short of full readiness, but have trained with the group, while Kourouma, Vanat and Pyshchur could also come into contention depending on the final assessment of the internationals.
Girona's injury picture is beginning to clear
The coach’s message was cautiously positive. He stressed that Girona are still building, but the week’s work has left him optimistic. That matters because the game against Mallorca is not being viewed as just another league fixture, but as a measuring point for where the team really stands.
Álavrez was clear that the squad is not yet at its final version. “Alguno se mantendrá,” he said, adding that if more internationals arrive or any injured players are ruled out, one of the reserve players could be left out. The broader point, though, was that Girona have options, and that several players have already put themselves in contention through their performances in training and in matches.
Why Mallorca are such a tough test
Álavrez did not hide his respect for Mallorca. He said any opponent is a difficult one in this category, but Mallorca have the kind of squad that belongs near the top. In his view, their transition has been easier and quicker, their coach’s ideas are clear, and their strength in depth makes them a serious challenge.
He also highlighted what makes them so effective: a direct style, low concession numbers and the ability to win with authority. “Es un equipo muy efectivo que está ganando con solvencia,” he said, which underlines why this match is being treated as a proper benchmark for Girona rather than just a routine league assignment.
There was also honesty in his assessment of Girona’s own development. Álavrez admitted that if a team concedes too much, then eventually it will stop winning. That is the kind of reflection that suggests the focus in training has been on both resilience and control, especially after a preseason he described as unpleasant for the group.
Confidence, competition and the next selection call
One of the more interesting parts of Álavrez’s comments concerned van de Beek. He said the issue is not level, but condition and confidence, and added that the player must be natural rather than forced. The coach made it clear he believes van de Beek can help a lot, which is another sign that Girona are still balancing talent, rhythm and fitness as they settle into the campaign.
He also praised the competition inside the squad, saying he wants everyone to feel important, but that roles must be earned. That message was reinforced when he spoke about players who have not competed for a long time or have arrived at a new club, insisting that training performances are opening doors and that there are players ready if called upon.
For Girona, the picture is straightforward. Mallorca offer a serious challenge, the squad is still being managed carefully, and the coach is treating the match as a real indicator of progress. If Girona can come through it well, it will say something important about how far they have come.
