Girona manager Míchel has publicly criticized Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic after the 30-year-old refused to play for the Spanish club, prioritizing his World Cup preparations over club duties. In an explosive press conference on Thursday, December 11, 2025, the frustrated coach revealed that Livakovic wants to leave and has no interest in representing Girona, forcing Paulo Gazzaniga to play while suffering from illness.

Livakovic’s Refusal Creates Crisis at Girona

The controversy surrounding Livakovic reached a breaking point when Míchel revealed the extent of the goalkeeper’s disengagement from Girona. “Livakovic wants to leave. He doesn’t want to play here, his priority is the World Cup,” Míchel declared in the press conference. “Gazzaniga had to play while he was ill… because Livakovic doesn’t want to play. I’m very angry about this situation.”

The situation came to a head during a recent Copa del Rey match against third-division side Ourense FC. Gazzaniga was suffering from flu and a high fever, making him unavailable to train properly. Míchel intended to give Livakovic his first appearance for Girona, but the Croatian international refused to play, citing his desire to secure a January transfer to maintain eligibility for another club.

With no alternative available, Gazzaniga was forced to play despite his illness, and Girona subsequently lost 2-1 to the lower-league opposition, resulting in elimination from the Copa del Rey tournament. The embarrassing defeat only intensified Míchel’s frustration with Livakovic’s stance.

Livakovic’s World Cup Priorities Over Girona Commitments

Livakovic, who is on loan from Turkish club Fenerbahce, has been transparent about his motivations, according to Míchel. “Livakovic is a spectacular person, but he has a timeline with objectives different from Girona’s,” the manager explained. “He needs to play for the World Cup, not for Girona. He told me this himself; he is a sincere person. He told me he didn’t want to be here, that he wanted to play for another team.”

The Croatian goalkeeper’s primary concern is maintaining his status as Croatia’s first-choice goalkeeper ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Croatia were recently drawn into Group L alongside England, Panama, and Ghana, and Livakovic remains a key figure for his national team, having played nearly every match over the past three years.

Livakovic’s international pedigree is undeniable. He was instrumental in Croatia’s run to the World Cup semi-finals, most notably in the penalty shootout victory over Japan at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. He has been Croatia’s undisputed number one through their successful European qualifiers campaign, where they dominated their group with seven wins and one draw.

UEFA Rules Complicate Livakovic Situation at Girona

The complexity of Livakovic’s situation at Girona is compounded by UEFA regulations stipulating that players cannot represent three different teams in a single season. Livakovic had already played matches for Fenerbahce before his deadline day loan move to Girona in the summer transfer window. As a result, if he were to play any minutes for Girona, he would be ineligible to join another club on loan or permanent transfer during the January window.

This regulatory constraint has created an impasse between Livakovic and Girona. The goalkeeper wants to secure a move to a club where he can play regularly and maintain his sharpness ahead of the World Cup, but playing even a single minute for Girona would eliminate that possibility until the summer.

Míchel acknowledged this dilemma while expressing his frustration: “He told me he didn’t want to be here, that he wanted to play for another team because if he played with Girona, he wouldn’t be able to play for another team.”

Gazzaniga’s Struggles Add to Girona’s Goalkeeping Woes

The Livakovic situation has become particularly frustrating for Girona given the inconsistent performances of first-choice goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga. The Argentine has endured a difficult season marked by several high-profile errors that have directly cost the team points.

Most recently against Elche, Gazzaniga was at fault for two goals in a 3-0 defeat. In one instance, he passed the ball straight to an opponent inside the penalty area while attempting to distribute to a defender. Earlier in the match, he failed to make a routine save on an angled shot by the near post. Similar mistakes occurred in Girona’s La Liga opener, establishing a concerning pattern.

Despite these errors, Míchel has staunchly defended Gazzaniga, emphasizing the goalkeeper’s commitment to the club. “Right now, I only have one goalkeeper available. Gazzaniga’s commitment is beyond any doubt. Until the winter transfer window, I know we have a problem. And I am not defending my position but defending the goalkeeper who has been here for three years, which is Gazzaniga.”

The manager contrasted Gazzaniga’s loyalty with Livakovic’s refusal to contribute, noting that the Argentine played through illness because of his dedication to Girona.

Girona’s Relegation Battle Intensifies Crisis

The goalkeeping controversy comes at the worst possible time for Girona, who find themselves in 18th place in the La Liga standings, firmly inside the relegation zone after 14 matchdays. The team’s poor run of results has intensified fan frustration, with many supporters calling for Livakovic to be given an opportunity despite never having seen him play.

Míchel’s decision to make the private conflict public reflects the mounting pressure on the club. “I don’t like to reveal private conversations, but sometimes it drives me crazy,” he admitted. “The fans needed to know.”

Girona’s other goalkeepers, Krapyvtsov and Juan Carlos, are both currently in the infirmary, leaving the team with only Gazzaniga as a fit option. Sporting director Quique Cárcel will need to prioritize signing a goalkeeper during the January transfer window, along with addressing other squad needs.

Livakovic Set for January Departure from Girona

Míchel has made clear that Livakovic will not play another match for Girona and will be allowed to leave when the winter transfer window opens in early January. “Livakovic has refused to play,” the manager stated. “In September he told me he wouldn’t play, and I can’t say anything about it. And on the third day, he told me he wants to leave Girona.”

The Croatian goalkeeper will depart without having played a single minute for Girona in any competition—neither La Liga nor the Copa del Rey. His situation echoes that of former Girona goalkeeper Pau López, who also left the club after becoming frustrated with his lack of playing time, though López at least managed three appearances before his departure.

GIRONA, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 30: Dominik Livakovic of Girona FC looks on during warms up prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between Girona FC and Real Madrid CF at Montilivi Stadium on November 30, 2025 in Girona, Spain. (Photo by Pablo Rodriguez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

Livakovic’s priority remains securing regular playing time to maintain his position as Croatia’s starting goalkeeper heading into the 2026 World Cup. Given his international pedigree and World Cup experience, he should have no shortage of suitors when the January window opens, allowing him to leave Girona behind and focus on his ultimate goal of representing Croatia on football’s biggest stage.

FAQs

Why won’t Livakovic play for Girona?

Livakovic refuses to play for Girona because he wants to leave in January to join another club where he can play regularly. UEFA rules prevent players from representing three teams in one season, and Livakovic already played for Fenerbahce before joining Girona.

What did Míchel say about Livakovic?

Míchel said “Livakovic wants to leave. He doesn’t want to play here, his priority is the World Cup” and revealed that “Gazzaniga had to play while he was ill… because Livakovic doesn’t want to play. I’m very angry about this situation.”

Why is the World Cup important to Livakovic?

Livakovic is Croatia’s first-choice goalkeeper and wants to maintain match fitness ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Croatia will face England, Panama, and Ghana in Group L. He needs regular playing time to keep his starting position.

Has Livakovic played any matches for Girona?

No, Livakovic has not played a single minute for Girona since joining on loan from Fenerbahce in the summer transfer window. He has refused to play to preserve his eligibility to join another club in January.

What happened in the Copa del Rey match?

Míchel wanted Livakovic to play in the Copa del Rey against Ourense FC because Paulo Gazzaniga was ill with flu and high fever. Livakovic refused, forcing Gazzaniga to play despite his illness. Girona lost 2-1 and were eliminated from the competition.