José Bordalás Opens Up: Facing Barça, Inspirations, and Xavi’s Departure

José Bordalás Opens Up: Facing Barça, Inspirations, and Xavi’s Departure

José Bordalás, the influential figure behind Getafe, speaks exclusively to SPORT on the eve of their clash with Barcelona. As the team sits comfortably above the relegation zone and eyes European contention, Bordalás discusses various aspects, from his coaching philosophy to the upcoming challenge against Barcelona.

Key Points:

1. Contentment with Getafe’s Position: Bordalás expresses contentment with Getafe’s current standing, highlighting the team’s significant improvement from previous seasons. Despite challenges, being 17 points clear of relegation at this stage instills confidence.
2. Ambitious Coaching Approach: Ambitious by nature, Bordalás shares his step-by-step approach, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the squad’s capabilities. He stresses the need to be protagonists on the field, aiming for high pressure, creativity, and defensive strength.
3. Influence of Johan Cruyff: The Getafe coach credits Johan Cruyff as a major influence on his coaching style. Despite the challenge of adapting to available resources, Bordalás remains committed to maximizing player potential within his philosophy.
4. Facing Barcelona’s Challenge: Bordalás downplays the significance of past statistics against Barcelona, emphasizing the complexity of the current football landscape. He acknowledges the difficulty of competing against both Barcelona and Real Madrid, considering both clubs’ remarkable histories.
5. Respect for Xavi’s Decision: Reflecting on Xavi’s departure, Bordalás expresses utmost respect for the former Barça coach’s decision. He acknowledges the pressure and challenges that come with coaching and respects Xavi’s choice for the benefit of the club.
6. Guardiola’s Shadow: On the question of Guardiola’s influence, Bordalás dismisses the notion of Guardiola’s shadow weighing on Barcelona. He appreciates Xavi’s achievements in a challenging economic period for the club, considering it unfair to compare with Guardiola’s era.
7. Managing Ilaix’s Return: Bordalás discusses the careful approach to managing Ilaix Moriba’s return, acknowledging the player’s uniqueness and the responsibility to support and nurture his talent.
8. Future Ambitions: As an ambitious individual, Bordalás expresses his desire for continuous improvement. While the future is uncertain, he envisions personal growth and aspires to eventually coach a top-tier club. The possibility of coaching in England or Italy also intrigues him.

José Bordalás provides insights into his coaching philosophy, experiences, and the upcoming challenges, offering a deeper understanding of the man steering Getafe’s fortunes in LaLiga.