Michel urges Girona to rise up against Madrid
Girona boss Michel has urged his players to prove themselves against "one of the best teams in the world" when they face Real Madrid in LaLiga this weekend.
Michel's side, which finished third in the Spanish top-flight last season, has failed to replicate that form, currently occupying eighth place after 15 games of its campaign.
Girona comes into the clash with Carlo Ancelotti's side on the back of a shock defeat to fourth-tier side Logrones in the Copa del Rey in midweek.
It has also failed to win any of its past three games in all competitions, scoring just two goals, which both came in a 2-2 draw with Villarreal in its previous league match.
Although Girona has not lost any of its past four games in LaLiga, which is its longest unbeaten run in the competition this season, Michel highlighted his side's attack as an issue so far this term.
"We are a better team in defence than last year. However, we need to improve in attack, to finish plays," Michel said.
"When you go down you have to get up as soon as possible and that day is tomorrow."
But Madrid has been in a slump of its own, losing four of its past seven games across all competitions, including a midweek defeat to Athletic Bilbao that saw its longest unbeaten run away from home in LaLiga come to an end.
Despite its recent form, Michel was under no illusions about the task at hand for his players, insisting his side must play a "perfect" game to get a result against Los Blancos.
"Tomorrow I expect what it is, the [UEFA] Champions League and LaLiga winners. A great team with great players," he added.
"We are playing against one of the best teams in the world, and we have to play a perfect game.
"There is no need to motivate the players for a game against Real Madrid."
Looking at recent meetings between the two sides, the odds are stacked against Michel's side.
Madrid has won its past two meetings with Girona in LaLiga, keeping clean sheets in both, and can make it three wins in a row against the Catalan side for the first time in the top-flight.
Michel has also struggled against Los Blancos in LaLiga. He has lost two of his four league meetings with Carlo Ancelotti.
Only against Diego Simeone has he suffered more defeats as Girona boss in the competition – also two against Imanol Alguacil, Manuel Pellegrini and Quique Setien.
