Girona head coach Mitchell attended the pre-match press conference against Barcelona. He analyzed the opponent's strength, his team's injuries and the conditions needed to win.

What is the current injury situation of the team?

The international players are all back and in good condition. David Lopez, Van de Beek, Francis, Onahi and Lemar will continue to be absent. Although Onahi and Lemar have trained normally, they are not yet able to play. The good news is that we have back Tsygankov, Abel Ruiz and John Solis, and Solis' leg discomfort has eased and he is ready to play.

Is now a good time to face Barcelona?

Barcelona will always be Barça. They have the ability to beat any opponent in the world and we are a small team and to get a good result we have to perform very well ourselves while also counting on them not being at their best.

Barcelona also has some injury problems.

I always focus on ourselves, the game and the opponent in front of us. We took a closer look at their possible tactics. Due to injuries, their options will be fewer, but the starting eleven sent by Barcelona is still top-notch, and their players can play for any team in the world. We have to be able to look forward and find depth behind their advanced defence, which is the way to escape their press.

Do you think Barcelona are more vulnerable now?

No. We always talk about results, but as coaches we look at other things. In the last two games against PSG and Sevilla... there were moments where they were superior and should have scored. It's true that they were hurt on the counterattack, but that was the case last season as well. They have a very clear style, top players, and a very clear coach. I hope to cause trouble for them.

How can we really hurt Barcelona?

It is much easier to hurt them through video or words than to do it on the field. They press close to your goal and if we can get those two passes and find the depth... the idea is clear in the mind, but now it's about executing with the time and space they leave you.

What is the status of Tsygankov and Abel Ruiz?

They are in good shape. They go through a complicated process but gradually return to their best form. I hope that after today, they can be with us normally.

How will the break between international matches affect the team?

I will not evaluate the team's status based on the results. So I say, after Barcelona experienced two consecutive losses, I don't think they are in a bad period. The break is very helpful for us to recover players and to work with players who need to understand our tactical intentions. I see the team moving forward, growing and becoming more competitive against Barcelona and beyond.

Will Barcelona's intensive schedule (the Champions League next week, followed by El Clasico) distract them?

After a break and a defeat...they are used to playing every three days and they will only think about Girona. I don’t think they’re distracted because they respect us. If they don't respect their opponents, they won't win as much.

What is the key to winning at Stade Montjuic?

scored one more goal than them. Seriously, to be under pressure, to compete, to win duels, knowing that we need a little bit of luck and a little bit of aim, and our goalkeepers have to play well... it's very difficult. When you look at the chances they create, they are the team with the most shots and the most chances... We have to stop them as much as possible.

If Yamal has 20 one-on-one opportunities, it will be much harder to guard him than if he only has 3 opportunities. It would be bad if Pedri, De Jong and others had more time to think. We have to defend as a team and attack as a team.

How do you evaluate Eric Garcia's performance?

I’m not surprised at all by the level he showed. He is one of the best defenders when there is space behind him. He can solve defensive problems very well, and he can also pass the ball forward in a standard way... He deserves everything because he is a great player. We will be able to enjoy players like Alex Garcia, Dov Bik, Savinho... He's going to be on a great team for many years to come.

Do you think Girona can beat Barcelona like PSG or Sevilla?

No, it's more complicated. We have our own ideas and we will see tomorrow. I know what kind of team I have and what we can do against the way Barcelona play.