Currently 12th in La Liga, Girona are trying to establish themselves as a top-tier side, having managed to avoid relegation on their return to Spain’s elite.
One way of doing this is by keeping your best players, which is exactly what they managed to do amid attempts from bigger sides to lure the likes of Christian Stuani and Portu away from the club.
Why they were able to do this has a lot to do with Manchester City, as they are 44.3% owned by the City Football Group, just like New York City FC.
Speaking to Sport in Spain, their manager, Eusebio Sacristan Mena, discussed the affiliation with Pep Guardiola’s side, and how useful it was to the Spanish side.
He said: “It’s an important support because of the experience it brings you, at all levels. It’s nice to have because it helps our growth to be more solid.
“It is important that you have the support in all sense, in both the sporting and economic aspect. To say, this is us and to be able to work with a certain tranquility.”
Picked by Girona to replace Pablo Machin, who went to Sevilla, Eusebio was given a chance to redeem himself after being sacked by Real Sociedad back in March.
With one win, one draw and a loss in his first three games, it seems he’s on the right track, but the season is long, and if the club start slipping too far down the table, City Football Group might quickly want someone else to steady the ship.
They are known to be rather ruthless if they want something. Just ask Manuel Pellegrini.
