Álvarez: "Beating Almería would bring us closer to the top positions"

former Girona manager Quique Álvarez says beating second-placed Almería would boost their promotion push after losing to Real Sociedad B.

Girona face Almería at Montilivi on Saturday at 16:15, a crucial test against the second-placed side. Manager Quique Álvarez acknowledged the importance of the fixture, saying a win would bring them closer to the top positions in their fight for direct promotion. The team suffered a setback at Real Sociedad B but Álvarez wants to recover the good form of recent weeks, particularly at home.

Almería arrive unbeaten in nine games with seven wins and two draws. Álvarez highlighted their ability to control matches through possession or from a deeper position, with dangerous transitions. The match carries extra emotion as Almería's manager García Pimienta is Álvarez's childhood friend and fellow Barcelona-influenced coach.

Girona will be without Bryan Gil, Javier Boñar, and David López (suspended after his red card at Real Sociedad B). Jastin García, whose return seemed imminent, has suffered a new injury setback. Álvarez stressed the mental toll on the young player after his recovery efforts.

The manager wants his team to improve their aggressive pressing, ball recovery in advanced areas, and attacking circulation as they face a run of tough fixtures against Oviedo and Eibar.