Girona have been unable to recapture last season's spark, but Michel is expecting a turnaround in the second half of the LaLiga campaign.

Girona led LaLiga for much of the campaign last term, but they sit eighth in the league this season, having struggled to string together a good run of form.

They did secure a second consecutive win in the league last week, with Jhon Solis' stoppage-time strike enough to secure a 1-0 victory over Deportivo Alaves.

After enduring an injury-hit first half to this campaign, Michel is hoping for more stability going forward.

"For the second round, I expect a better team and above all a more regular team when it comes to doing things," Michel told reporters on Friday.

"Solis' goal against Alaves shows the mentality of the team and the club, always looking forward."

Sevilla have taken 23 points from their first 19 games in LaLiga this season (W6 D5 L8), their best record at this stage since the 2021-22 season (41 points - W12 D5 L2).

They sit just seven points below the top six, who will qualify for European competition, with Girona only five points better off than them at this stage.

"Sevilla are a direct rival for Europe. They have a great coaching staff who ensure that the team has a high level of possession and a mentality of being protagonists," Michel said.

"They are a physically strong team and if you lose the ball, in transition, they do things very well and in two or three passes they get to your goal."

Michel said it was important not to drop points at home, with Girona set to visit top-four sides Athletic Bilbao and Real Madrid next month.

Girona have lost three of their last eight home games in LaLiga (W4 D1), conceding at least three goals in three of those eight matches, having lost just one of their previous 16 games at Montilivi in the competition (W13 D2).

In positive news for Michel's side though, Sevilla have lost their last three away games against Girona after winning on their first visit to Montilivi in LaLiga (1-0). No other away team have lost more matches against the Catalan side in the top-flight (three each for Celta Vigo, Athletic Bilbao and Getafe).

"It's the first home game of 2025, and we want to do it for our people... this month of January is very tough and if you win games, it's easier to prepare for the next one," Michel added.