José Bordalás: “LaLiga first, but we want to go far in Europe”

José Bordalás, Getafe’s head coach, spoke on Wednesday on the eve of the Conference League clash against Lugano, making his message clear: LaLiga is the priority, even if the team approaches Europe with the goal of going “as far as possible.”

In his press conference, he acknowledged the strain after Monday’s 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano, a game in which Getafe spent a big stretch with ten men. Still, he dismissed fatigue as an excuse and insisted they must meet the challenge with the ambition to win against a “good team.”

Focus and opponent

Bordalás praised Lugano, describing them as Switzerland’s Super League leaders and noting they beat Red Star in the first round of the competition’s league phase. He also looked back to Getafe’s last European run in 2019-20, saying the pandemic interrupted what he believes could have gone further.

Red cards to fix

He urged his players—especially those who have never played a continental tournament—to enjoy the Conference League despite the club’s current difficulties, including injuries and squad limitations. Bordalás also stressed the need to improve their discipline after multiple dismissals this season (up to five) and highlighted the squad’s response in the match against Rayo. He closed by asking supporters to pack the Coliseum again, citing the backing they showed on Monday.