Girona coach Michel Sanchez cleared his goalkeeper, Argentinian Paulo Gazzaniga, of the blunder that led to PSG's winning goal in the 90th minute and stressed that his team gave a "good account of themselves" in their historic Champions League debut.

"Mistakes are part of the game and Gazzaniga made three incredible saves that saved us. Mistakes are forgivable, lack of attitude is not (...) That mistake (Gazzaniga's) is mine. I congratulated him and he has all our confidence", declared the Madrid-born player in a press conference.

Míchel accepted that that goal in the 90th minute hurt, although he highlighted the "good account of themselves" in the debut in the competition par excellence at European club level.

"The goal hurts, but in terms of feeling, we gave a good account of us, although we didn't have many chances to win it anyway," he said. Girona, who conceded 26 shots and fired just three, held out until the 90th minute, when a Nuno Mendes cross deflected off Frances and through Gazzaniga's legs.

"We are a very, very humble club, with players who carry a lot of positive and negative things in their shoulders and it was a very special day for them," said Míchel of the prize that went to players such as Uruguay's Cristhian Stuani, who, at almost 38, made his Champions League debut and his debut as captain.

September 18, 2024

P. Gazzaniga

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