Bordalas keeps focus on Barcelona as Carvajal rumours surround Getafe

Getafe manager Jose Bordalas has refused to discuss reports linking the club with former Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal, insisting that his attention is fully on the challenge posed by Barcelona.

Speaking at a news conference on the eve of the match, the Alicante-born coach was asked about the possibility of signing the right-back. Carvajal’s contract with Real Madrid ended this summer, meaning he can join another club as a free agent outside the transfer window.

The 33-year-old has been linked with a move to Getafe, although club president Angel Torres told the El Chiringuito programme several days ago: “There is nothing. Everything has collapsed.”

Bordalas declined to provide further details.

“I completely understand and respect your question, but I will not talk about this because my thoughts are entirely focused on tomorrow’s match against Barcelona,” he said, according to Marca.

The Getafe manager was more forthcoming when assessing his next opponents, describing Barcelona as one of the strongest teams in both La Liga and Europe.

“They are one of the best teams in the league and even in Europe, and their players are in remarkable physical condition,” said Bordalas. “I do not want to classify them as the best or otherwise, because comparisons are always complicated, but what I have been saying for years is that football has changed.”

He added: “Barcelona have players with extraordinary technical ability, but football has changed greatly physically. I really admire Barcelona with the ball, but I also admire them without it; in that respect, they are also the best team in La Liga.”

Barcelona sit top of the league with a perfect record and 21 points, while Getafe are 11th on eight points.

Bordalas acknowledged the scale of the task facing his side at Barcelona, where Getafe have not beaten their opponents for many years.

“It is always incredibly difficult, and the statistics speak for themselves. I am not making anything up,” he said. “The difference between the two clubs is huge, in every respect. It is extremely difficult, and my colleagues often ask me about it.

“We have not been able to beat Barcelona for many years because it is so difficult. My team always goes into matches aware of the challenges, but also knowing what we must do to achieve a good result. We try to have an ambitious, winning mentality, and we are aware of the difficulties we will face.”

Barcelona will be without Brazilian forward Raphinha, but Bordalas believes the hosts have enough strength in depth to cope with his absence.

“His absence should not be a problem for them,” he said. “He is at the peak of his form, has scored 12 goals, made a spectacular start and had a huge impact, but Barcelona have an outstanding squad. They are world-class players and all of them are internationals.”

Bordalas also praised Lamine Yamal, while admitting that containing Barcelona’s attack would be a major challenge.

“It is extremely difficult because you are talking about players of a very high level,” he said. “It will be very difficult to stop him, but we will try to produce a great performance, remain fully focused and play without any inferiority complex.

“Lamine is a wonderful player and he is proving that despite his young age. You cannot say for certain whether he is the best in the world, because there are truly great players, and he has a long career ahead of him. Given his ability, he can certainly achieve that status.”