Michel warns Girona hero Misehouy to stay grounded
Girona started its 2024-2025 campaign with a point against Real Betis, with teenage debutant Gabriel Misehouy impressing.
Gabriel Misehouy rescued a point for Girona on his debut as it salvaged a 1-1 draw at Real Betis in LaLiga, but coach Michel has warned the teenager must remain grounded.
The 19 year-old Dutch midfielder came off the bench for his debut in Girona's league opener at Betis, having joined from Ajax on a free transfer in July.
He found the equaliser from a counterattack he initiated and was a constant menace to Betis' backline, almost scoring the winner with some brilliant play late on.
Michel was not surprised by Misehouy's impact but told DAZN he has much to learn, saying: "Gabriel is a brutally talented player, but as of today he still lacks the collective mentality to be a great player.
"He has a lot of room for improvement. He still doesn't speak Spanish but I hope he listens to me...
"Maybe the goal won't do any good for him, I don't want it to be... He has a lot of talent, but we have to focus on him so that he can work for the group."
Missing several players due to illness, Michel was satisfied to leave Seville with a point to start a season in which Girona is under the spotlight, having finished third to reach the Champions League in 23/24.
Even if Girona has lost the element of surprise, Michel is confident the club will continue its upward trajectory.
"I think the team had the personality to play with our idea, knowing that the connections are not yet there," he said.
"I am very happy with the performance, knowing the problems we had."