News Focus
- Jose Bordalas will exit Getafe when his contract expires at the end of this season
- The 62-year-old saved the club from relegation during his second spell starting in 2023
- Getafe are considering Fabio Celestini or Veljko Paunovic as the new manager
- Bordalas wants to work abroad after facing registration problems and limited resources this term
- He led Getafe to the Europa League during his first spell between 2016 and 2021
Jose Bordalas is preparing to say goodbye to Getafe. The experienced manager will leave the Spanish club when his current deal ends this summer.
Bordalas has become a legend at the Madrid-based side. During his first spell from 2016 to 2021, he guided Getafe to the Europa League. He returned in 2023 to rescue them from relegation danger. Since then, he has kept the team safely in the middle of the La Liga table.
This season has brought serious challenges. The club faced problems registering new players last summer. They also had very limited money to spend. These issues tested Bordalas’ patience. Last week, the local council named him an “adopted son” of Getafe city. However, this honour appears to be a farewell gift.
The 62-year-old coach wants a fresh start outside Spain. He hopes to find a well-paid job abroad. Last December, Crystal Palace showed interest in him. Getafe offered him a new contract until 2028. He changed his agents and never replied to this offer.
Club president Angel Torres is already searching for a new boss. His first choice is Fabio Celestini. The Swiss coach left CSKA Moscow this week. He played for Getafe for five years during his career. If this deal fails, Torres may pick Veljko Paunovic. The Serbian coach formerly managed Real Oviedo and his national team. His son Petar plays in Getafe’s youth academy.
Whoever takes over faces a huge task. Many supporters see Bordalas as the greatest manager in the club’s history. He has managed 133 games during his second spell. His total across both spells reaches 345 matches.