<p>It’s not every day that a Premier League Golden Boot winner, a European champion, and a FIFA World Cup bronze medalist link up in Saudi Arabia at a club named Al-Qadsiah.</p>



<p>Three weeks ago, former <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/arsenal-tv-schedule/">Arsenal</a> striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signed a two-year contract with Al-Qadsiah FC. The Gabonese international joins Spain’s Nacho Fernández and Belgium’s Koen Casteels as the newly promoted club’s marquee signings for the upcoming season.</p>



<p>Just 14 months ago, the club from Khobar wrapped up a dismal campaign in Saudi Arabia’s second tier that included two-seven game winless runs and three different managers. This is the story of Al-Qadsiah’s journey to earn a place among the giants of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/saudi-pro-league-tv-schedule/">Saudi Pro League</a>. </p>



<h2>The takeover of Al-Qadsiah</h2>



<p>On June 5, 2023, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Sport <a href="https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/saudi-pro-league-pif-al-nassr-hilal-ittihad-ahli-takeover-privatisation-aramco-neom/?zephr_sso_ott=xSdvk1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">announced</a> the acquisition of eight soccer clubs by various state-backed entities. The group believed that new financial flows would allow the Middle Eastern country to compete on soccer’s global stage. One of those clubs was Al-Qadsiah, which was bought by oil company Aramco. Although a fraction of the company trades publicly on the stock exchange Tadawul, a combined 98% of the petroleum and gas giant is owned directly by the Saudi government and the PIF, the Kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund. </p>



<p>Al-Qadsiah was struggling. The club had just finished 11th in the First Division League, the Saudi second tier. Just 10 players were under contract for the upcoming season. They struggled to keep a manager under contract. Between 2013 and 2023, only two men, Jameel Qassem and Yousef Al Mannai, had held their jobs for more than seven months. </p>



<p>The Aramco purchase seemed to offer <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/05/07/saudi-aramco-upholds-dividend-despite-drop-in-first-quarter-profits.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">promises of a better future</a>. With free cash flows in the billions, the oil company had the means to rebuild Al-Qadsiah from the ground up. Their first order of business was to put someone on the touchline: former Liverpool striker <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/robbie-fowler-discusses-management-liverpool-and-being-referred-to-as-god-20140725-CMS-111339.html">Robbie Fowler</a>. The Toxteth native began his coaching career as a player-manager at Thai club Muangthong United. Following a spell with his old club’s academy, Fowler spent time with Australia’s Brisbane Roar and India’s East Bengal. He was working part-time with League One side Oxford United when Al-Qadsiah called in June 2023. Anxious to get his career back on track, Fowler accepted the position. </p>



<h2>The revamp</h2>



<p>Immediately, Al-Qadsiah hit the transfer market. Fowler’s goal was to win promotion. With Aramco footing the bill, money was no object. Former Sunderland captain Max Power rejected a new contract at Wigan Athletic, along with other offers in the Championship, to join Fowler’s squad. Senegal’s Mbaye Diagne came on board after a 23-goal season with Fatih Karagümrük in the Turkish Süper Lig. Goalkeeper Joel Robles left Leeds United for the promise of more game time in the Middle East. Despite the best efforts of Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr to retain Álvaro González, the Spanish center-back left on a free transfer to strengthen Al-Qadsiah’s back line. </p>



<p>Two weeks later, three more signings arrived at the club. With more than 250 combined appearances for Al-Hilal, the attacking duo of Andre Carrillo and Luciano Vietto provided much-needed familiarity with the Saudi style of play. After nine years at 1. FSV Mainz 05, former German U-20 international Alexander Hack departed the Bundesliga side to play abroad for the first time in his professional career. </p>



<p>The first transfer window under Aramco was Al-Qadsiah’s busiest in four years. The club signed 16 new players and promoted five others from the under-23 team. Despite beginning the summer unable to field an 11-man squad, they now had the resources to make a convincing run at the First Division title.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has become  manager of Saudi Arabian second-tier side Al-Qadsiah 🇸🇦" width="500" height="375" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H9jVK0pguvs?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<h2>The campaign</h2>



<p>Al-Qadsiah opened the 2023-24 season against Al-Adalah, a team that had just returned to the second tier following relegation from the Pro League. The debuting Max Power captained a side that featured eight new signings and three returning players. The home side got off to a flying start, going 1-0 up inside of three minutes courtesy of wingback Taher Wadi. Al-Adalah equalized a half hour later through Togolese international Samsondin Ouro, but 31-year-old Mohammed Al-Saiari’s goal on the other side of halftime secured a 2-1 victory for Al-Qadsiah. </p>



<p>Under Fowler, Al-Qadsiah played with a clear identity. After <a href="https://www.coachesvoice.com/cv/robbie-fowler-liverpool-coach-interview/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">experimenting at his previous clubs</a>, the Englishman had settled on dictating the pace of play with a “possession-based” 3-5-2. A compact defense forced the opposition out wide into overloads. Quick combinations between the attacking midfielders and strikers provided the threat going forward. The finished product was a side that scored 10 goals and conceded just three in their first eight league games. </p>



<p>Then, despite an unbeaten start to the season, Al-Qadsiah sacked Fowler. Just six days ahead of a clash with league leaders Al-Orobah, the club elected to dismiss the Liverpudlian. Although quiet at the time, Fowler later <a href="https://www.sportbible.com/football/football-news/robbie-fowler-al-qadsiah-sacked-liverpool-102097-20231222" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cited</a> sporting director Carlos Antón’s desire to adopt a “Spanish model” as the reason for the move. Not coincidentally, Al-Qadsiah immediately hired former Spanish international Míchel as the new manager. The long-time Real Madrid midfielder had nearly 20 years of experience at the senior level with spells at Granada, Málaga, and Marseille. After being forced out mid-season at Olympiacos, Míchel was keen to turn things around in Saudi Arabia.</p>



<h2>The evolution</h2>



<p>With little time to prepare, Al-Qadsiah lost to Al-Orobah in Míchel’s first match in charge. After playing the entire season with three defenders, the Spaniard’s side looked uncomfortable building out of a back four. Carrillo struggled to get on the ball in his new position on the wing. The strike partnership of Diagne and Vietto lacked composure in front of goal. As a whole, the squad failed to display the same poise and confidence they had under Fowler.</p>



<p>In their next two games, Al-Qadsiah needed a 96th-minute goal to defeat mid-table Al-Arabi and a 95th-minute equalizer to rescue a point against Jeddah FC. Now sitting in third, Míchel changed his 4-4-2 for a 4-2-3-1, with Vietto underneath Diagne as the central attacking midfielder. The effect of the tactical shift was immediate, with the duo combining for 12 goals in their next six matches. At the midway point of the season, Al-Qadsiah had secured 40 points from a possible 51 and built an eight-point cushion at the top of the table. </p>



<p>Míchel’s men flew through the rest of their fixtures largely without incident. After failing to score in the first three matches after the winter break, Al-Qadsiah won five in a row to stretch their lead to nine points. Then, they bounced back from consecutive losses to the second-and third-place teams to finish the season on a seven-match unbeaten streak. </p>



<p>Al-Qadsiah secured promotion with three games to spare following a 2-2 draw away to Ohod Club. Then, they locked up their first title win in nine years with a 4-2 win over Al-Najma at home in the Prince Saud Bin Jalawi Stadium. The summer signings proved to be the difference. Robles recorded 15 clean sheets in 33 games. Diagne topped the First Division scoring charts with a career-high 26 goals. Vietto added 17 of his own — good for second place — and recorded a league-high 10 assists. Carrillo notched seven goal contributions, and Hack led all defenders with more than 2,000 minutes played. </p>



<p>
</p><table class="table5" style="border: 5px solid red;">
<tbody>
<tr class="table5" style="width:100%">
<td style="width:70%">
<center><h4>Our Pick:</h4>
Includes: Premier League, Liga MX, Ligue 1, + 84 Sports Channels</center>
</td>
<td rowspan="2" style="background-color:#ef4923; vertical-align: middle;">
<center><a href="https://www.fubo.tv/stream/soccer/?irad=356358&amp;irmp=330866" target="blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><figure class="image"><img src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240806_WST_518377_FRVO-1_5abcbfeb.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=100" alt="Fubo" width="200" height="100"></figure></a></center></td>
</tr>
<tr><td><center><a class="button" style="background-color:red" href="https://www.fubo.tv/stream/soccer/?irad=356358&amp;irmp=330866" target="blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><span style="color: white;"><strong>7-Day Free Trial</strong></span></a></center></td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>
&nbsp;



<h2>The overhaul</h2>



<p>Al-Qadsiah finished the 2023-24 season with 73 points and more than twice as many wins (22) as they managed the season before (10). As convincing a performance as that was, the Pro League is a different beast. The Khobar club was immediately relegated just a season after they last won promotion to the top flight in 2019-20. Given the recent influx of elite talent, the level of competition in the Pro League is even higher than it was back then. With Aramco more than willing to finance more signings, Al-Qadsiah opted to shake up the squad for the second consecutive summer.</p>



<p>Mbaye Diagne’s contract was terminated by mutual consent to facilitate a move to First Division side Neom SC, where he will <a href="https://wiwsport.com/2024/07/14/mercato-mbaye-diagne-rejoint-neom-sc-d2-saoudienne-et-touche-le-jackpot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reportedly</a> earn an annual salary of $7.5 million. Al-Qadsiah also elected not to renew the contracts of Luciano Vietto, Álvaro González, or January signing Kévin Rodrigues. The departures of Faris Abdi (free transfer to Al-Fayha) and Taher Wadi (loaned to Al-Diriyah) further depleted the club’s defensive options. When the transfer window opened, Al-Qadsiah had holes to fill everywhere on the pitch. </p>



<p>First, the club beat out AS Roma for the signature of Uruguayan international Nahitan Nández on a free transfer from Serie A club Cagliari. Then, in the middle of the UEFA European Championship, Al-Qadsiah <a href="https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/belgium-keeper-casteels-joins-al-qadsiah-free-transfer-2024-06-10/#:~:text=June%2010%20(Reuters)%20%2D%20Belgium,title%2C%20said%20on%20social%20media." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">announced</a> the signing of goalkeeper Koen Casteels from VfL Wolfsburg to a three-year contract. The 2018 World Cup bronze medalist established himself as Belgium’s No. 1 this summer after manager Domenico Tedesco failed to call up Thibaut Courtois. Two weeks later, Nacho Fernández signed with the Saudi club after 23 years with Real Madrid. The defender won 26 trophies with the La Liga outfit and was a part of the Spain side that defeated England in the Euro final last month.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Welcome to Khobar! <a href="https://twitter.com/nachofi1990?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nachofi1990</a> 🇸🇦❤️<br>Our spanish star has arrived to his new home 😍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Alqadsiah?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Alqadsiah</a> <a href="https://t.co/uu2lmqv2uI">pic.twitter.com/uu2lmqv2uI</a></p>— AlQadsiah Saudi Club (@AlQadsiahEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlQadsiahEN/status/1820643433284858052?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2024</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Next, Al-Qadsiah shelled out almost $15 million for six-time Liga MX champion Julián Quiñones. Born in Colombia, the 27-year-old Mexican international scored 23 goals in all competitions for Club América. </p>



<p>He will line up alongside arguably the Saudi club’s most recognizable signing to date, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The former Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona striker rediscovered his form at Marseille last season with 30 goals in 51 games. Together, Quiñones and Aubameyang will hope to match, or better, the goal production of the departed Diagne and Vietto. </p>



<p>Al-Qadsiah still has a handful of uncertainties in the squad to address before their first league match on August 23. The <a href="https://arriyadiyah.com/845649/القادسية-يخالص-روبلز" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recent departure</a> of Joel Robles, rumored to be moving to Portugal’s Estoril, may prompt the signing of a new goalkeeper to deputize Casteels. Max Power’s contract has yet to be renewed, but his replacement, Boca Juniors youngster Ezequiel Fernández, is reportedly <a href="https://x.com/CLMerlo/status/1818428054290485720" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">close</a> to joining the Saudi side. The Argentinian midfielder’s arrival would be a big boost for Al-Qadsiah after losing out on Álvaro Morata, Lamine Camara and Youssef En-Nesyri in recent weeks.</p>



<h2>The future of Al-Qadsiah</h2>



<p>The resurgence of Al-Qadsiah is only just beginning. On July 31, the Saudi Press Agency <a href="https://www.barrons.com/news/fifteen-stadiums-five-cities-in-saudi-2034-world-cup-bid-43bb1f88" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">announced</a> that a new stadium in Khobar will serve as one of 15 venues for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The <a href="https://www.argaam.com/en/article/articledetail/id/1744524#:~:text=The%20new%20stadium%2C%20which%20will,Kingdom%20will%20host%20in%202027." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">47,000-seat project</a> is the result of a partnership between club owners Aramco and real estate company ROSHN. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🇸🇦🏟️ Saudi Arabia announces the construction of a new stadium called Aramco Stadium:<br><br>▫️ The stadium will build by <a href="https://twitter.com/saudi_aramco?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@saudi_aramco</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/Roshnksa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Roshnksa</a> <br>▫️ The stadium is located in Al Khobar<br>▫️Stadium capacity: 47,000 fans<br>▫️ It will be the main headquarters of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AlQadsiah?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AlQadsiah</a> and will host the… <a href="https://t.co/jirmRDVDjT">pic.twitter.com/jirmRDVDjT</a></p>— All About SPL 🔔 🇸🇦 (@Saudifutbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saudifutbol/status/1818664804049207303?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2024</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Once completed, “Aramco Stadium” will serve as Al-Qadsiah’s new home. Designed like a whirlpool, the venue is an apt symbol for the club’s past year. Without Aramco, it’s possible that Al-Qadsiah could still be struggling for breath in the First Division. The oil company’s financial support transformed a mediocre side into an excellent one. </p>



<p>It will take a Herculean effort to dethrone the preeminent Saudi sides. Last season, Neymar’s Al-Hilal won 31 of their 34 games to clinch their sixth Pro League title in the last eight years. The Riyadh-based club finished 12 points ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr &amp; 31 points ahead of Roberto Firmino’s Al-Ahli. </p>



<p>To challenge the champions, Al-Qadsiah will need to be perfect. With abundant momentum on their side, they just might be capable of pulling off the impossible. </p>

Al-Qadsiah's journey to becoming a Saudi Pro League giant

The story behind Al-Qadsiah, the Saudi Arabian club where Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Nacho, and Koen Casteels set to link up this season.

Al-Qadsiah's journey to becoming a Saudi Pro League giant - World Soccer Talk

featured

<p>Real Madrid and a certain Catalan team often face off for the title of La Liga, as any Spanish soccer fan worth their salt will tell you. However, the squad hailing from northeastern Spain is not Barcelona this season.</p>



<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/why-girona-is-the-best-story-in-europe-this-season-20240116-WST-483659.html">Girona</a> has unexpectedly emerged as Madrid’s main rival for the crown, even though they are only in their fourth season of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/la-liga-tv-schedule/">La Liga</a> play. As a result of their remarkable run of good fortune, they are now just two points below Los Blancos in second place on the table.</p>



<p>The Gironistes have been around since 1930 and play their soccer in the small Estadi Montilivi. It has a capacity of 14,000 and is located on the outskirts of a city with a population of barely 100,000.</p>



<p>They have spent most of their existence playing in the Spanish third division or below. It wasn’t until 2008, after a 49-year hiatus, that the club made a triumphant return to the second level.</p>



<p>Girona briefly competed in Spain’s top division after earning promotion in 2017. However, they quickly returned to the lower division. Nevertheless, the squad is here to stay this time around.</p>



<p>Michel’s players got off to strong starts this year, thus many have drawn parallels to Leicester City’s historic Premier League winning campaign. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a> and Girona are leading by 10 and eight points, respectively, from <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/atletico-madrid-tv-schedule/">Atletico Madrid</a> and B<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/barcelona-tv-schedule/">arca</a>.</p>



<p>So far this season, it seems like there will be only two teams competing for first and second place.</p>



<h2>Liverpool and Bayern already watching Michel closely</h2>



<p>Several factors may contribute to the success of Girona, but one of the most important is the manager leading the squad, Michel. Even though Girona’s improvement has been obvious to everyone, no one anticipated the immense jump the squad made this season.</p>



<p>Moreover, Michel has been executing it with sophistication. Consequently, several teams are monitoring his position in Spain.</p>



<p>Both <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/bayern-munich-tv-schedule/">Bayern Munich</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool</a> see Michel as a backup option, according to <a href="https://okdiario.com/noticias/girona-futbol-club/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Okdiario</a>. However, Xabi Alonso, coach of Bayer Leverkusen, is their first option for the summer.</p>



<p>At Liverpool, they consider Xabi the perfect choice to replace Jurgen Klopp, who is leaving the club. The German champions, meanwhile, are thinking about using the Spaniard to replace Thomas Tuchel. If Xabi turns down one or both clubs, they will try to get his compatriot.</p>



<h2>Barcelona could also join the race</h2>



<p>The Girona faithful are certain, nevertheless, that Michel will remain in Catalonia for the next season. This year, he made it plain that he wants to lead Girona in the UEFA Champions League next season. Especially since the team showed they can challenge for the championship.</p>



<p>Michel is under contract with Girona until 2026. However, it has been stated that Barcelona also considers the coach’s achievements this season quite outstanding. Reports from <a href="https://www.sport.es/en/news/barca/michel-liked-a-lot-at-barcelona-as-an-option-for-the-future-87510494" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SPORT</a> indicate that Barca considers him a popular figure at the Camp Nou and a potential manager in the future.</p>



<p>“I am focused on Girona. Xavi is the person who knows FC Barcelona best. I have a contract until 2026, so nada. Xavi is Barca,” Michel said last weekend.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em>.</p>

Turning heads: 3 top European clubs eye Girona boss Michel

Girona's success has made Europe's biggest clubs, including Liverpool and Bayern Munich, inquiring about the side's manager, Michel.

<p>The season Girona is putting together in LaLiga has the potential to be the biggest story in the history of the Spanish top flight. After 20 games, the club in the northeast of Spain leads the league. Girona only made its first appearance in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/la-liga-tv-schedule/">LaLiga</a> six years ago. After finishing 10th in the 2022/23 campaign, Girona has emerged into the class of elites in Spain. The club leads the league after 20 games with just one loss.</p>



<p>That is something its ownership group is used to. In August 2017, City Football Group, or CFG, purchased 44% of Girona to add a Spanish side to its impressive portfolio of clubs. The jewel in the crown of those clubs is <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-city-tv-schedule/">Manchester City</a>, which has had no shortage of success in England and now Europe. CFG applied that success to Girona, but it did so without the extravagant spending Manchester City experienced when its takeover happened in 2008.</p>



<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/barcelona-ailing-opens-the-door-for-girona-to-succeed-in-laliga-20231212-WST-476627.html">What Girona has been able to do</a> is far more organic, and it is indicative of sustainable growth in LaLiga. Girona is set up for the future to make it successful without the dependency on City Football Group. Here is how the Spanish side joined the upper class of clubs in Spain.</p>



<h2>The proper appointments on and off the field</h2>



<p>When CFG took over just shy of 50% of the club in 2017, Pere Guardiola became the brains for the Spanish side. Pere Guardiola is the brother of City manager Pep Guardiola. Pere made a name for himself in the soccer world as an agent traditionally representing Portuguese and Spanish players. Some of his more notable clients include Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta, both of whom had immense success with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/barcelona-tv-schedule/">FC Barcelona</a>.</p>



<p>His time as an agent built up the clientele and knowledge base to have a deep understanding of the Spanish soccer scene. Pep Guardiola has always had a knack for identifying talent in players. Perhaps some of that rubbed off on Pere during his spell as an agent. He maintains that position as an agent working with Sports Entertainment Group. His connections there contributed to some of Girona’s recent signings. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240116_WST_483659_Michel-Girona-1-1200x670_ac8d23f3.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-483676" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Michel-Girona-1-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Michel-Girona-1-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Michel-Girona-1-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Michel-Girona-1.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<p>None of those are as important as the appointment of Michel as the manager of the club. The Spanish boss was successful in getting clubs into LaLiga. In his first full seasons with Rayo Vallecano, Huesca and then Girona, the clubs earned promotion to the Spanish top flight. However, those clubs instantly fell to the Segunda. Girona has been a different tale. The Catalan club finished 10th in its return to the top flight. </p>



<p>Michel’s tactics led to a free-flowing and fearless style of play that Girona still exhibits today. In the 2022/23 campaign, Girona scored 58 goals in that season. Only four clubs, including <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a>, Barcelona and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/atletico-madrid-tv-schedule/">Atletico Madrid</a>, scored more goals. Subsequently, Girona’s big flaw was defending. Girona was top five in goals scored, but it was bottom five in goals against with 55 concessions.</p>



<p>
</p><table class="table5" style="border: 5px solid red;">
<tbody>
<tr class="table5" style="width:100%">
<td style="width:70%">
<center><h4>Our Pick:</h4>
Includes: Bundesliga, LaLiga, FA Cup, &amp; More</center>
</td>
<td rowspan="2" style="background-color:black; vertical-align: middle;">
<center><a href="https://go.web.plus.espn.com/mWebq" target="blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><figure class="image"><img src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240116_WST_483659_EplusRVO_aa8c76cf.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=100" alt="ESPN+" width="200" height="100"></figure></a></center></td>
</tr>
<tr><td><center><a class="button" style="background-color:red" href="https://go.web.plus.espn.com/mWebq" target="blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><span style="color: white;"><strong>Sign Up</strong></span></a></center></td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>
&nbsp;



<h2>Combining young signings with experienced players</h2>



<p>To combat the leaky defense, Girona made several key signings in both seasons that have developed into a far more resolute defensive side. By no means is Girona perfect defensively, but it is a massive step in the right direction to go along with the consistent goal-scoring abilities up top.</p>



<p>Eric Garcia and Daley Blind joined from Barcelona and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/bayern-munich-tv-schedule/">Bayern Munich</a>, respectively, on loan. The pair has been a mainstay at center-back in Michel’s side.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240116_WST_483659_Blind-GIrona-1200x670_f0df295b.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-483675" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Blind-GIrona-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Blind-GIrona-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Blind-GIrona-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Blind-GIrona.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<p>To their left is Miguel Gutiérrez. Girona signed Gutiérrez from Real Madrid ahead of the 2022/23 campaign. The 21-year-old played in 34 LaLiga games last season. It was not an overtly strong showing in those games, but it was invaluable experience after a total of 10 appearances in two seasons with Real Madrid. This year, Gutierrez has started 19 of Girona’s 20 games. He has been a remarkably consistent presence in his left-back spot with several standout performances.</p>



<p>On the other side of Girona’s defense is Yan Couto. Couto presents the benefits of being part of the City Football Group. Girona cannot rival the pockets of Barcelona and Real Madrid. However, being in the same group as Manchester City allows for easy loans for players between clubs in the same organization. Yan Couto is still under contract with Manchester City. However, he spent last season and the current campaign on loan from City. The 21-year-old has made 19 appearances on loan this season, and he has provided six assists from his left-back spot.</p>



<h2>LaLiga success is not the end-all for Girona</h2>



<p>There are concerns, though, that the links with Manchester City put a cap on what Girona is able to accomplish. Domestic success is one thing, and there are no other City Football Group teams in Spain. Therefore, Girona can finish as high as possible, and that could even be the title this season.</p>



<p>Yet, there is a situation in UEFA’s regulations that two teams with the same majority owner cannot compete in the same competition. The rule prevents a monopoly on European soccer. Also, if the two drew against one another at any stage of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">UEFA Champions League</a>, ownership would prioritize Manchester City, as it is always a favorite to win the Champions League.</p>



<p>However, Girona does not have a majority owner. City Football Group only owns 47% of Girona. Even though it owns Manchester City entirely, the ownership of Girona does not go against UEFA’s current rules. Therefore, Girona would be allowed to play in next season’s UEFA Champions League if it maintains a top-four standing in the Spanish top flight. In 2023, the club earned its <a href="https://www.football-espana.net/2023/05/15/girona-uefa-licence-2023-24-manchester-city" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UEFA license</a> to officially open that door.</p>



<p>That remains the goal for Girona. Winning LaLiga may be too lofty of a dream this season. Girona has thrived in its third full season under Michel to maintain pace with Real Madrid. Carlo Ancelotti’s side holds a game in hand, though, and Real Madrid dominated when it played Girona earlier this season. Still, there is no stopping Girona from qualifying for the UEFA Champions League next season.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="SEMRA HUNTER: RISING US STAR in #LaLiga 🇪🇸🇺🇸" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/klA0huNzo7A?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em></p>

Why Girona is the best story in Europe this season

The season Girona is putting together in LaLiga has the potential to be the biggest story in the history of the Spanish top flight.

destacadas

<p>Newcastle is reportedly already looking at coaching alternatives should they soon part ways with Eddie Howe. According to reports in Spain, Newcastle is eyeing a LaLiga manager as a possible replacement.</p>



<p>The former Bournemouth manager was previously thought to have one of the safest jobs in England. After all, the coach led the club to a top-four finish in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> standings last season. As a result, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/newcastle-united-tv-schedule/">Newcastle</a> qualified for the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">UEFA Champions League</a> for the first time in twenty years.</p>



<p>Despite the recent relative success, Howe’s team has struggled throughout the current campaign. The Magpies currently sit ninth in the top-flight table, just one point ahead of Chelsea. Since controversially beating Arsenal on November 4th, Newcastle has managed to win just three of their last 13 total matches.</p>



<p>While the club has undoubtedly stumbled in recent months, they have also dealt with fairly significant <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/wilson-botman-injury-updates-compound-crisis-at-newcastle-20231116-WST-470508.html">injury issues</a>. Newcastle has regularly been without up to 10 senior players at times this season. This includes several setbacks to key players such as Callum Wilson, Alexander Isak, Sven Botman, and Harvey Barnes.</p>



<h2>Girona has been the surprise of European soccer this season</h2>



<p>With the Saudi ownership seemingly growing impatient, reports are beginning to surface regarding a possible managerial change. <em><a href="https://www.marca.com/futbol/girona/2024/01/03/65955e2f22601d81778b45a2.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marca</a></em> is claiming that the Magpies brass has eyes on <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/girona-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Girona</a> manager Míchel. The Spaniard has done an incredible job with his current club since arriving in 2021.</p>



<p>Girona earned promotion to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/la-liga-tv-schedule/">LaLiga</a> in Míchel’s first season at the helm. Although the Red and Whites were picked by many to struggle back in the top flight, the club managed to finish middle of the pack in 2022/23. Remaining in LaLiga was a goal for the team, but practically no one expected Girona to continue to progress in the current campaign.</p>



<p>
</p><table class="table5" style="border: 5px solid red;">
<tbody>
<tr class="table5" style="width:100%">
<td style="width:70%">
<center><h4>Our Pick:</h4>
Includes: Premier League, Liga MX, Ligue 1, + 84 Sports Channels</center>
</td>
<td rowspan="2" style="background-color:#ef4923; vertical-align: middle;">
<center><a href="https://www.fubo.tv/welcome/leagues/3605402?irad=356365&amp;irmp=330866" target="blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><figure class="image"><img src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240104_WST_481231_FRVO-1_52876c95.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=100" alt="Fubo" width="200" height="100"></figure></a></center></td>
</tr>
<tr><td><center><a class="button" style="background-color:red" href="https://www.fubo.tv/welcome/leagues/3605402?irad=356365&amp;irmp=330866" target="blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><span style="color: white;"><strong>7-Day Free Trial</strong></span></a></center></td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>
&nbsp;



<p>Massive clubs such as <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/barcelona-tv-schedule/">Barcelona</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a> typically fight for the Spanish title every season. Nevertheless, Girona has been inside the top three of the table since August. The club has even led the league for five different matchweeks as well. Interestingly enough, Girona is currently co-owned by Manchester City’s Abu Dhabi group.</p>



<h2>Newcastle and LaLiga connection: LaLiga manager Míchel will have plenty of suitors if he decides to leave his current club</h2>



<p>The aforementioned news outlet claims that Newcastle is “looking very seriously” at Míchel. However, the Magpies are far from the only team to want the Spanish manager. In fact, <a href="https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barca</a> has previously been linked with a potential move for Míchel as well. Current head coach Xavi has the Catalan club sitting fourth in the LaLiga table at the moment.</p>



<p>Spanish coaches are currently performing well overall in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta, Pep Guardiola, Unai Emery, and Andoni Iraola all have their teams in positive positions so far this season. Newcastle could hope that the Spanish trend continues if they do make a serious move for Míchel.</p>



<p>The Magpies, however, may have to move quickly if they want to grab the Spanish coach. Míchel will undoubtedly be one of the top managerial candidates this summer, assuming he remains with Girona for the remainder of the season.</p>



<p>Newcastle next faces rivals <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/sunderland-tv-schedule/">Sunderland</a> in the FA Cup on Saturday, January 6th. However, the Magpies then resume Premier League play with tough back-to-back fixtures to finish out the month. They first host <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-city-tv-schedule/">Manchester City</a> before traveling to face Emery’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/aston-villa-tv-schedule/">Aston Villa</a> side. January could prove to be a pivotal month for Howe at Newcastle.</p>



<p><em>Photo: IMAGO / NurPhoto</em>.</p>

Newcastle eyes LaLiga manager as Eddie Howe replacement

Premier League side Newcastle United is reportedly interested in a manager from LaLiga to replace Eddie Howe.

ALL POSTS TAGGED "Michel"

News

Al-Qadsiah's journey to becoming a Saudi Pro League giant

Barcelona

Turning heads: 3 top European clubs eye Girona boss Michel

Girona

Why Girona is the best story in Europe this season

Eddie Howe

Newcastle eyes LaLiga manager as Eddie Howe replacement