Key Takeaways:
- Girona finished 19th in La Liga following a 1-1 draw with Elche at Estadi Montilivi, ending a four-year stay in the Spanish top flight
- Míchel led Girona to promotion, their first UEFA Champions League qualification, and oversaw 221 matches with 91 wins since summer 2021
- On the day following his exit, negotiations between Míchel and Ajax progressed, with only contract details outstanding before an expected announcement
Analysis of Girona’s Season and Managerial Tenure
Girona’s time in La Liga has come to an end after a 1-1 home draw with Elche confirmed their relegation, sealing a 19th-place finish and bringing their four-year spell in Spain’s premier division to a close. The result marked the culmination of a period of declining form, as Girona failed to register a win across their final eight league fixtures.
🚨 Michel leaves Girona with immediate effect after the relegation.
The Spanish manager remains the leading candidate to become new Ajax manager. 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/3b99zasj9T
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 28, 2026
Míchel, who joined Girona in the summer of 2021, has been instrumental in their recent development. During his inaugural season, he masterminded the club’s promotion to La Liga via the play-offs, securing a historic night for the Blanquivermells in Tenerife. The club’s official statement lauded this, alongside his role in consolidating a distinct playing style during his tenure.
Míchel’s Achievements at Girona
Over the course of 221 official matches at the helm, Míchel achieved 91 wins, making him the club’s second-most successful and longest-serving manager in both categories. Notably, under his stewardship, Girona qualified for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in the club’s history, a feat which earned him the La Liga Manager of the Season award. Fans, however, criticised his focus during the relegation fight, pointing to speculation linking him with a move elsewhere.
| Season | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2021-22 | Promotion to La Liga |
| 2022-23 | First-time UEFA Champions League qualification |
| Tenure Summary | 221 matches, 91 wins (Second-most in club history) |
Impending Move to Ajax and Other Managerial Links
Míchel’s departure from Girona comes as he draws near to finalising an agreement with Eredivisie giants Ajax. Negotiations are focused on the duration of his contract as well as the proposed backroom staff, with both sides aiming to conclude discussions imminently. An official statement from Ajax is anticipated soon.
The 50-year-old Madrid-native, who previously managed Rayo Vallecano and Huesca following a 20-year playing career, had also attracted interest from Bayer Leverkusen. However, reports suggest Leverkusen declined to pursue a deal due to Míchel’s limited proficiency in English.
Conclusion
Míchel leaves a significant legacy at Girona, having steered the club through promotion, their historic Champions League qualification, and playing a major role in recent years. As Girona embark on a new chapter following relegation, the football world awaits confirmation of Míchel’s next move in the Netherlands with Ajax.
