girona FC: Charting a Course for the Future
With the tranquility of a season free from relegation battles, Girona FC is looking ahead. While their Champions League adventure concludes at the end of the month, the club is focused on continued growth, both on and off the field.
The frist team has been training at the state-of-the-art Ciutat Esportiva de la Massana in Vilablareix for months, and the club’s attention now turns to Montilivi Stadium.
The current stadium is outdated and requires a meaningful overhaul to meet the needs of a club that has tasted European competition and aspires to make it a regular occurrence. This raises a crucial question: should Montilivi be renovated and modernized, or should a brand new stadium be built elsewhere in the city or its surroundings?
this dilemma is at the heart of internal discussions within the club’s leadership. President Delfí Geli recently shed some light on the situation during an appearance on Televisió de Girona’s “Tot Rodó” program.
“We have a clear idea of what we want to achieve,” Geli stated. “We are working to present the new stadium project to the fans in the near future. It will take a few more months to finalize the groundwork and solidify the plans.”
Geli emphasized that a dedicated team is working diligently on the project, which encompasses not only the stadium itself but also the surrounding infrastructure. While he remained tight-lipped about the specific location, he hinted at the possibility of moving away from Montilivi.
“The process is complex and requires careful consideration of all aspects,” Geli explained. ”We need to think about the stadium’s design, its location, and the necessary infrastructure, such as access, parking, and transportation.Many of these factors depend on collaboration with local authorities.”
Despite exploring other options, Geli reiterated his preference for staying at Montilivi. He reminded viewers that the club’s permission to build the Ciutat Esportiva is limited to that specific location in vilablareix.
“We are very cozy at montilivi and would prefer to remain there,” Geli affirmed. “However, we must be prepared for any eventuality and have option plans in place should unforeseen circumstances arise.”
one of the key challenges associated with either renovation or relocation is finding a temporary home for the team during construction.
“If we choose a new location, we could utilize Montilivi during the construction phase,” Geli suggested. “if we renovate the existing stadium, we would need to find a temporary venue for our matches.”
He emphasized the club’s commitment to ensuring that all fans have access to the stadium and that the final decision will be made with the best interests of Girona FC in mind.
to gauge fan sentiment, the club has conducted telephone surveys to understand their preferences regarding the stadium’s future.
Should Girona FC Stay or Go? A Stadium debate with Former Player, Xavi Alonso
Girona FC is on the rise. A season free from relegation worries and a taste of Champions League action have solidified their position in Spanish football. But with Montilivi Stadium showing its age, the club faces a pivotal decision: renovate the existing ground or build a brand new home?
To delve into this complex issue, we sat down with former Girona midfielder, Xavi Alonso, a key part of the team’s promotion to La Liga in 2017.
Moderator: Xavi, thanks for joining us.Girona is clearly making waves, and a new stadium would be a powerful symbol of their ambition. What are your thoughts on the situation?
Xavi Alonso: It’s fantastic to see girona thriving. Montilivi has a special atmosphere, it’s been their home for decades. But let’s be honest, it’s struggling to keep up with the demands of modern football.
Moderator: President Delfí Geli mentioned exploring both renovation and a brand-new stadium. Which option do you think makes more sense for the club?
Xavi Alonso: Ideally, staying at Montilivi would be best. the fans love it, there’s a real connection to the place. But realistically,a full renovation might be just as expensive and disruptive as a new build.
moderator: Geli also highlighted the logistical challenges, like finding a temporary home during construction. It’s a important hurdle.
Xavi Alonso: Absolutely. Uprooting a team for a season or two can affect performance on the pitch. You lose that familiarity, that home advantage. It’s a tough call.
Moderator: There’s talk about the possibility of moving away from Montilivi altogether. What are your thoughts on that?
Xavi Alonso: I understand the need for a modern stadium, one that can accommodate larger crowds and generate more revenue. but losing that connection with the heart of Girona would be a real shame. They should explore every option to stay put first.
Moderator: The club is reaching out to fans through surveys, getting a sense of their preferences. Do you think fan involvement is crucial in this decision-making process?
Xavi Alonso: Absolutely. This is their club. Their voices need to be heard. It’s not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about preserving the soul of Girona FC.
Moderator: Xavi, what advice would you give to President Geli and the club’s leadership as they weigh their options?
Xavi Alonso: Don’t rush into a decision. Carefully consider all the factors, weigh the pros and cons, and listen to the fans. Ultimately, the goal should be a stadium that reflects Girona FC’s ambition while honoring its rich history.
What do YOU think? Should Girona FC renovate Montilivi or build a new stadium? Join the discussion in the comments below!