Álvarez: "We don't have to hide from the ambition to go up"

Former Girona manager Quique Álvarez insists the team won't hide from promotion ambitions despite back-to-back defeats ahead of Saturday's visit to Oviedo.

Former Girona manager Quique Álvarez has refused to shy away from the club's promotion ambitions despite two consecutive defeats. Speaking ahead of Saturday's trip to Oviedo, Álvarez acknowledged the difficult run but stressed the need to maintain focus and composure.

"We don't have to hide from the ambition to go up," Álvarez said. "We have this objective clear from the start and we have to live with it. When things don't go well we have to push harder to reverse it, and in Oviedo we have a great opportunity for that."

Girona will face a reshaped Oviedo side under new manager Raúl, whose appointment has raised expectations at the club. Álvarez acknowledged the added motivation Raúl's arrival brings but remains focused on his own team's performance. Girona will be without Junior, Asprilla, Vanat (on international duty) and injured players Boñar, Bryan Gil and Jastin.