If someone in Girona has cried with joy and sadness, it has undoubtedly been Alex Granell (2-08-1988, Girona). He also wore of captain armband, the red and white shirt of the first team for the last six seasons until, after playing the first two games of this league, he chose to head to Bolívar. Ha lived a promotion to First, a descent to Second and three playoffs … is the history of Girona. In the next few days he will return to La Paz (Bolivia), he is hurrying his vacation, but first he wants to see the promotion to First.
What do you suffer more from seeing Girona one step away from the First Division as a player or as a fan?
In the stands you suffer a lot. I prefer to be able to decide game situations from within. In the stands they suffer more and I know it because I was in Montilivi against Almería in the semifinal and they were very strong sensations.
After the 1-2 in Vallecas, Girona is the favorite to go up. What feelings do you have?
It is a brutal satisfaction and a feeling of great happiness. We know how difficult a playoff is and the bad times we've had at this club, so the fans and the squad, of course, deserve a nice moment. Last year was very hard so we hope to forget it and enjoy Sunday a lot.
You suffered on the field of play the defeat in the final of last year against Elche. How can you prevent it from happening again?
I think that, over time, are learning moments. But you suffer a lot and it was very hard. That is why many players who made history in this club when they got to the First Division decided to take a step to the side. Perhaps it was time to renew the energy and the truth is that the group now is very well. They are close to getting it and they deserve it.
Does it give Lightning a chance to come back?
In this club we have lived through everything, but I am very optimistic. The team and the coaching staff make me be one. It is true that there was a playoff, like the one that Zaragoza brought us back with a 0-3 in favor, but there we had the blow of the tie against Lugo (it left them without direct promotion on the last day) in our backpack. Now it is different because the end of the League and the playoffs to date is a whole team, a winner and that, as a fan, allows me to be very positive.
Does having taken so many hits in the playoffs make you never lose your humility?
That is the maxim of this team, Francisco always says it, and, in addition, everyone who comes to Girona knows the real history of the club and that makes you more prudent than you have to because of the blows that the team has given us. past. Here nobody trusts and I believe, one hundred percent, that this will be the year of the return to First. There is just enough euphoria to fight to the end and both the team and the city are examples of effort and the ability to overcome.
Girona is, with the numbers of recent years, one of the best Second Division clubs and it is getting used to fighting to climb regularly …
The work that is being done is fantastic and I believe that the fruits of years and years of effort are reaping. Something important has been built and if going to First gives an incalculable boost to everything. Last year we were minutes away from climbing and this year we are there again. The DNA of the current squad is fantastic and I think this year we are like those teams that have done us so much damage in recent years. I see that this Girona is launched. After living an irregular year, but with a tremendous League final, it is like last year's Elche or like that Osasuna who took the promotion from us in 2015-16. You arrive at the final section with a lot of energy and this makes you climb.
Do you regret having left Girona?
“This Girona is launched, like last year's Elche or Osasuna, which took the promotion away from us on 15-16.”
I would love to be living this moment, but I don't regret it. I love this club very much, it is my home, but I felt, after losing the final against Elche, that I should go. I lived through very hard episodes and it was not a professional issue. It was more health. I felt identified with the club and I believed that it was positive to seek a new experience and that is why I decided to go to Bolivia. I needed to get out of my comfort zone and put myself to the test.
What do you think of the bet that has been made this season by young people?
This team represents me a lot. I love watching Arnau, Ramón Terrats, Gumbau play, Juanpe wearing the captain's armband … There are many things to be proud of. A humble, hard-working team has been formed, with great enthusiasm and everything is driven by the desire of a youth that is not afraid of anything.
You know what it is to go up to First with Girona. What advice would you give to those who have not experienced it?
From a sporting point of view, promotion to First Division is the best thing that has ever happened to me. It was an unforgettable day and for that reason, whatever happens, you have to try to enjoy this second leg a lot because it is unique. It is something exceptional, very difficult to achieve and an inexplicable level of happiness is reached. This Girona has everything to achieve it, but it needs to be materialized. Although seeing the humility and the level of the players makes me feel calm.
What value do you give to the figure of Francisco?
You need very little training with him to see that he is different, exceptional. He has a versatile game idea and I think he is the ideal one for Girona. The results have shown it and hopefully he will be the coach who will take us back to Primera and make us an important team. Although whatever happens, the coaching staff and the players are First class.
Will you be in Montilivi on Sunday?
I would love to, but I am waiting for when I have to return to La Paz. Hopefully I don't have to fly until Monday so I can go to Montilivi. I would enjoy a lot.