Bordalás: “We were able to be consistent in a game that we knew would be tough”

 José Bordalás spoke to the media after Valencia CF drew with Getafe CF on LaLiga Matchday 28, assessing a tough game against his former club.

How much do you value positively keeping a clean sheet, and how much do you analyse negatively not having been able to win?

It was a very hotly contested game, very tight, with few chances, it's normal in this type of situation and at this point in the season.

We were facing a Getafe side who have a lot at stake. There were many cards, a lot of interruptions and a lot of stoppages. With the ball we lacked clarity and movement out of the area, which is something that we found tough due to the pressure from Getafe CF, who are a great team who prevented us from creating on an offensive level.

It was what we expected. The point is not something that we value very positively, but we were able to be consistent in a game that we knew was going to be very difficult. Getafe CF are a great team, despite not having so many points in the standings.

How was your return to Getafe?

It was endearing, because I was returning to Getafe after having been here for many seasons and having experienced very beautiful moments here. I received a lot of affection from the fans, the president and the players. It has been touching. It was strange at times, but that’s football; today I am the coach of Valencia CF and I have to defend our interests, but I wish Getafe CF the best I'm sure they will achieve their goals.

Carlos Soler said that this point is not very useful. How do you see it?

Our intention was to get the three points, but we had a great Getafe CF side in front of us with a great need for points and with a high level of intensity. They won many second balls, they were attentive in many actions and it was what we expected from them. We wanted to get the three points, but it was not an easy game -far from it- and we must keep in mind the behaviour of the players, who had a good attitude. We lacked more chances to achieve victory, but Getafe CF are a very well structured team and today they showed that.

Upon the team's arrival, the Getafe CF fans sang “Hugo Duro is a traitor”. What do you have to say about that?

I don't agree. I obviously respect any comment, but I know Hugo Duro well. He grew up here, he's from Getafe, he's spent his entire career at Getafe CF and he's very fond of them. He is still a Getafe CF player, he is on loan with us because I know him and because at the time Getafe CF gave other players more minutes. It isn’t important; he is a very well loved kid because he has always given his all for Getafe CF, just as he is doing now with Valencia CF.

How did you experience the disallowed goal?

To begin with I had doubts. It was a very fast move, I was looking more at the action by the men in the midfield and forwards because I expected Mamardashvili to hit it long, but then I saw that it was clear, and I had no doubts.

Was Hugo Duro affected by the chants?

I don't know. I haven't been able to talk to him yet. It was a tough game. I decided to sub him off because Maxi Gómez was coming off a great game last weekend, he has other characteristics and we were looking for alternatives. I don't think he was affected, as he was on the pitch and he was focused on the game.

Was facing this Getafe side under Quique Sánchez Flores a tactical battle?

Yes. Getafe CF are a very well-structured team, strong, and difficult not only for us, but for everyone. Too many fouls were called and there were a lot of interruptions. For the referees it is complex and tough, and that meant that the pace was not high, but Quique is a great coach and has recovered Getafe CF in a remarkable way. They were in a very delicate situation. I’m sure that they will have no problem achieving their goal of survival.

Gabriel Paulista was about to ask to be substituted. Is he forcing himself to play?

We have spoken with him, and there was no reason to take a risk. He commented that he was fine and continued. He knows how to manage himself, and we have warned him that if he had any problem, he should let us know, because there are still games remaining this season, we have important games coming up and we do not have to take unnecessary risks.

Is one of the people that he greeted Fermín Varela, the Getafe CF physiotherapist?

No, I couldn't see that.

Can he talk about the relationship he has with some Valencia CF players?

They are decisions made by the footballers, and it is not anything abnormal. A player on any team has confidence in professionals they know, who have spoken to them, and they go to them.