Fresh off their 2-0 humbling at Anfield, a wounded Real Madrid return to Spain to face off against Getafe in a gruelling weekend clash in La Liga.
The game at the Santiago Bernabeu will see Los Blancos put to a steep test against Jose Bordalas’ men who are known for their low defensive line and ruthless counterattacks.
While their start to the season has not been the best, they have shown their mettle against strong opposition including their narrow 1-0 defeat to Barcelona in September.
Speaking to the media ahead of Getafe’s clash against Real Madrid, Jose Bordalas gave his two cents on several Real Madrid-related topics including the manager and Kylian Mbappe.
He began by commenting on what he expected from Real Madrid this weekend and how his men would be prepared to play a world-class opposition.
“For what Real Madrid is, for the stage, for everything. We know that these types of parties attract a lot of attention, mobilize for what they mean and we have to be at the highest level.”
“The team is fine, I have no doubt that it will give absolutely everything, and we are going to see a Getafe that will demand itself and will try to make a good game,” he added on his men.
Bordalas defends Ancelotti
The Getafe manager was then asked about Real Madrid’s struggles in recent games and whether it reflected badly on Ancelotti. He extended his complete support to the Italian coach and showered praise on him for the manager he was.
“I don’t have to defend him, not at all, I see no reason for it. There is his work, his resume, and no one has the right to question or doubt Ancelotti,” he said.
Under the pump. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
He then went on to speak on how the Italian tactician produced phenomenal results for Los Blancos year after year, and even last season most recently.
“Real Madrid’s demand is enormous, but you have to keep in mind that last season, with injuries of important players, everyone knows what they were capable of.”
“And this year, also with injuries, the team is alive in all competitions and I see no reason to question absolutely anything,” he added.
Commenting on his relationship with Carlo Ancelotti, the Getafe manager said,
“My relationship with him is special, I have a deep admiration for what he did at Real Madrid and for his achievements as a professional.”
“I know how difficult this profession is, being a Real Madrid coach, and he has won absolutely everything. He comes from winning in Leganés clearly and with a lot of solvency and I don’t think he’s at a bad time,” he added.
Bordalas does not underestimate Mbappe
Despite Kylian Mbappe’s poor form in recent times, the Getafe manager refused to count him out and spoke on the Frenchman’s aura.
“[He is] a top-level player that few can match. He can decide a game at any time,” he said.
On Vinicius Jr.’s injury-enforced absence, he added: “I would like, as an athlete, that he was there because he is a magnificent player. As a sportsperson and athlete, when you face the best, that makes you better.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo