Girona Appoints New Head Coach Following La Liga Relegation

Kike Álvarez Takes Over as Girona Manager

According to Главком: Spanish club Girona has named 50-year-old Kike Álvarez as their new head coach after being relegated from La Liga. He signed a one-season contract with the primary objective of guiding the team back to the top flight by the end of the 2026/27 campaign. Álvarez replaces Míchel Sánchez, who left the club after the 2025/26 season concluded.

Álvarez previously coached Girona's reserve team, leading them to promotion from the third division to the second. Before that, he served on the coaching staffs of Villarreal, Alavés, and Levante. As a player, Álvarez was a center-back and spent seven seasons with Villarreal in La Liga.

Team Situation and Transfers

Under Míchel Sánchez, Girona finished third in La Liga during the 2023/24 season and qualified for the Champions League for the first time in club history. However, last season the team ended 19th in the Spanish league and was relegated to the Segunda División. Currently, four Ukrainian players are on Girona's roster:

• winger Viktor Tsygankov
• forward Vladyslav Vanat
• goalkeeper Vladyslav Krapyvtsov
• striker Oleksandr Pishchur

Oleksandr Pishchur was signed from Hungary's Győr during the current transfer window.

Viktor Tsygankov has decided to leave Girona and sent an official letter to the club requesting that all offers from other teams be considered and that he be allowed to depart. His contract with Girona expires in one year. Tsygankov stated he will do everything possible to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

The appointment of Kike Álvarez as Girona's head coach reflects the club's strategic approach to recovery after a disappointing season. With his experience in Spanish football, Álvarez is tasked with building a new team identity and returning Girona to the elite division.

Meanwhile, Viktor Tsygankov's situation could impact the club's transfer policy, as his potential departure raises questions about future squad reinforcements. These developments highlight Girona's active preparations for the new season, particularly in supporting young talent and adapting to new challenges.

Following the club's decision to appoint Kike Álvarez, it is crucial to understand the context of Girona's recent struggles. The departure of Míchel Sánchez after a tumultuous season marked a significant shift for the team. For more insights on the managerial changes and their implications, check out how Girona officially parted ways with Míchel after a disastrous campaign here.