Girona will be without their talismanic head coach Michel Sanchez for this Saturday’s home match against Villarreal.
Michel announced the news in a statement, saying: “I am writing these lines to inform you that, after a health setback, I will not be able to be on the bench this coming Saturday, May 10, for the LaLiga match against Villarreal CF.
“After listening to the advice of the doctors, to whom I am grateful for their care and professionalism, I have to take a few days off to recover and return as soon as possible.
“I am feeling well, under medical observation, and already counting the days until I can return to work and continue fighting for what remains of the season.
“I am confident that this group, despite my absence, will give everything, as always, so that our people can feel proud of the club and the values it represents.
“I want to thank everyone for the displays of affection, the messages from the Girona family and from all the people who have been concerned about my situation.
“I will have to be hospitalized and under observation for a few days. I am forced to follow the match from another place, but I will always stay in contact with my team. See you soon.”
The match could be one that helps decide Girona’s LaLiga fate with the side that started the season in the Champions League in the midst of a relegation battle.
Villarreal, meanwhile, are currently fifth and heading back to Europe’s top tier.
Michel has previously opened up on his mental health struggles, revealing he thought he was dying when he had a panic attack as coach of Rayo Vallecano.
“After the promotion with Rayo Vallecano, I had an anxiety attack,” he told Movistar.
“With the pressure you have, after promotion, I collapsed. I went on vacation and said to my wife, ‘Take me to the hospital, I’m dying’.
“I spent three years with the psychologist and the psychiatrist, and little by little, I visualized and mechanized my thoughts a lot. Now I have my tools, so it doesn’t happen to me.
“I have a working environment, an ability to be focused on my work; I don’t have problems with the press, I don’t have problems with the fans. Management agrees 100%. This, as a coach, is health.”
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