Opposition View: How Getafe have found themselves in an identity crisis ahead of their Conference League clash with Brighton

However, as Brighton prepare to face them in the UEFA Conference League, they have been warned that the characteristics which have defined Getafe’s rise in recent years appear to be disappearing.

A difficult start to the campaign, significant departures during the summer transfer window and a growing injury list have left Bordalás with a depleted squad and plenty of problems to address. More concerningly for their supporters, it has left Getafe struggling to hold on to the identity that has made them such an unapologetically horrible opponent.

Speaking to The Brighton Base, AS journalist Álvaro Canibe, who covers Getafe, believes that the team that awaits the Seagulls is a far cry from the outfit of old.

“It’s been far from an easy season for Getafe,” he explained. “Several key players left the team during the last transfer window, and their departures haven’t been covered by players of the same calibre. Furthermore, Christantus Uche suffered a season-ending injury during pre-season, and the club has been unable to find a suitable replacement for him either.

“As a result, the start of the season has been tough for Getafe. They narrowly edged past Partizan in the Conference League play-off and are struggling greatly, both physically and mentally, due to having to play three matches a week. This squad isn’t built to compete in three competitions, and it’s showing, as manager Bordalás has remarked on several occasions.

“Despite this, they’re hanging on as best they can in LaLiga, and last weekend’s victory over Sevilla was crucial. However, they have had a dreadful start to the Conference League, having effectively ruled themselves out of the running for a place in the top eight, with serious doubts as to whether they will even manage to reach the top 24. The aim is to stabilise their position in LaLiga and make progress in the Conference League, something that is proving more difficult at the moment.”

Getafe have won just three of their opening 11 LaLiga matches, tasting defeat on five occasions. Until last weekend, when they beat Sevilla 3-1, they were without a win domestically since the end of September.

At any club, it is easy for supporters to lose faith when good results become harder to come by. During those moments, it is not uncommon for a manager to emerge in a post-match press conference, take the heat and insist that things will change.

However, Canibe feels that supporters and Bordalás are in agreement that their side is at risk of losing their reputation as a side that is defensively stubborn and difficult to beat, even if not particularly prolific in front of goal.

He explained: “Perhaps that ‘label’ might have been more accurate a few seasons ago. Whilst it is true that they are not a team that scores many goals, this season their defence has been a sieve.

“Their backline offers little reassurance, makes childish mistakes and is being penalised by the shortcomings and individual form of many players. Bordalás himself has complained about this, saying that his players have lost their identity as a battle-hardened, strong side that is difficult to beat. It is that identity they are trying to regain as the weeks go by.”

As mentioned previously, Getafe came from behind to secure an important three points on Sunday with goals from Enes Ünal, Martín Satriano and Orel Mangala.

Two of those goalscorers have been struggling with injuries in recent weeks, which is another of the contributing factors that Canibe feels have led to Los Azulones’ struggles.

“This period of crisis, poor results and lacklustre performances has been one of the team’s most difficult spells over the last years. The win against Sevilla was an important first step towards turning things round, but the match against a top-class opponent like Brighton will be another key test to confirm that progress.

“It is true that, during this period, Getafe have been hampered by the absences of key players such as Orel Mangala, Zaid Romero and Enes Ünal, who has been playing through injury in recent matches. With such a limited squad of quality players, the team struggles as soon as any of the first-team regulars are unavailable. The aim they have set themselves is to ensure those key players are 100 per cent fit.”

There are sources of optimism sprouting from all angles of Canibe’s analysis of the situation. Getafe are struggling with injuries, losing touch with their identity, and having to contemplate prioritising LaLiga over the Conference League, having drawn with Universitatea Craiova and lost to Lugano in their opening two games of the competition.

So, what else would be music to the ears of a free-scoring Seagulls side brimming with confidence? A disjointed backline.

Asked about Getafe’s biggest weakness, Canibe wasted no time in pointing to their defence.

“Getafe are really struggling in defence. The midfield is failing to contain and break up opposition attacks, and the team is paying the price in every defensive transition. They are also making numerous individual defensive errors and lapses in concentration.

“They have conceded six goals from set pieces in their last three matches, something that has greatly frustrated the manager. He has been emphasising this for weeks.

“In attack, where they have good players, they are lacking a player who can take on defenders – someone with the ability to cut inside and break down the opposition defence. They are the only team in LaLiga without a single attacking winger. Andrés García, on loan from Aston Villa, who is naturally a right-back, has had to fill that role.”

Getafe’s lack of squad depth was recognised over the summer, and is something that their board has looked to address in recent weeks, all while juggling major reconstruction work on their home ground, Estadio Coliseum.

Free agents have therefore been sought. Former Real Madrid star Dani Carvajal has joined the club, whilst ex-Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho was offered a contract – which he ultimately declined. There have been tentative links to Spanish legend Sergio Ramos, 40, too.

However, despite the need for reinforcements, Getafe’s frontline is still capable of causing problems. Although he struggled at AFC Bournemouth, Ünal has proved to be a handful back in Spain.

The Turkish international is strong in the air and capable of holding up possession and bringing his teammates into the game. Off the ball, the 29-year-old works hard – a key characteristic of Bordalás’ style – and his performance over the weekend is one that the Seagulls must be wary of.

“The second half of the match against Sevilla showcased some of the qualities the team is trying to regain: high pressing, defensive solidity and being more incisive in attack,” explained Canibe.

“Getafe are a side whose success is built on winning one-on-one duels, being alert to all second balls and creating chaos in the opposition’s half. They have some excellent attacking players such as Satriano and Ünal, as well as others like Ramón Terrats, who are still trying to step up and are vital to the team. Orel Mangala, who has just returned from injury, is another key player.

“One of the big questions is which team Bordalás will field. Against Lugano, he opted for extensive rotation, and it was a disaster. The team lost 5–2 at home, and many of the non-regular players came in for a fair bit of criticism. Therefore, I expect a slightly more ‘first-team’ line-up against Brighton, even though there are key players who are not yet physically fit enough to play a full 90 minutes.”

Fabian Hürzeler has some tough calls to make himself. His fringe players struggled against Jablonec, and came close to leaving Czechia without any points to show for their efforts were it not for some fine saves from Bart Verbruggen.

The Seagulls’ Premier League XI, in contrast, are in flying form and appear capable of hurting any top-level opponent, as evidenced by wins over Manchester City and Arsenal. With an international break around the corner, there is a case to be made for starting a more established team against Getafe.

Whatever decisions Hürzeler makes elsewhere in the side, Brighton have tended to field a handful of experienced players to stabilise their team and provide a sense of continuity in executing Hürzeler’s attacking, front-footed game plan.

It is that attacking brand of football that Getafe anticipate seeing on Thursday evening.

Canibe said: “I expect both to have a clear game plan: Brighton will have possession, the control of the game and will try to impose their style of play by breaking through the lines and being aggressive in the opposition’s half.

“Getafe will try to disrupt the English side’s build-up play, be strong on second balls and maintain a very high level of concentration and intensity throughout the match. Only in this way will they be able to compete against a team that is far superior in terms of squad strength and quality of play.

“Brighton are a crucial test for Getafe, both in terms of the result, as they need to start picking up points in the Conference, and in terms of competitiveness, as they need to regain their high standard of play and build confidence.”

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