Girona manager Míchel says on-loan goalkeeper Dominik Livaković has declined to play for the club because the Croatian international wants to keep open the possibility of another move that could boost his chances of making Croatia’s World Cup squad next year.

Livaković, who has earned 71 caps for the 2018 World Cup runners-up, joined Girona on loan from Fenerbahçe in September after the Turkish side signed Ederson.

Although the 30-year-old has made two appearances for Fenerbahçe this season, he has yet to play for Girona, where Paulo Gazzaniga remains Míchel’s preferred choice in goal.

Under FIFA regulations, a player can be registered with three clubs in a single season but may only play competitive matches for two.

“Livaković is an exceptional person, but he’s working with a timeline and goals that differ from Girona’s,” Míchel said. “He needs to play for the World Cup, not for Girona.”

“He told me this directly. He was very honest—he said he didn’t want to stay because playing for Girona would prevent him from joining another team.”

Reuters has reached out to Livaković’s representatives for comment.

Míchel added that Livaković refused to play in the Copa del Rey loss to third-tier Ourense earlier this month, forcing Gazzaniga to take the field despite being ill.

“He was meant to play, and he told me he wouldn’t,” Míchel said.

“Gazzaniga played in Ourense with the flu and a 38-degree fever. At the moment, I only have one available goalkeeper… until the winter transfer window opens, we have a problem.”

Girona, who finished third in LaLiga in 2023–24, currently sit 18th in the table with 12 points.