Getafe boss hopes Barcelona gem is fit for La Liga clash – ‘Makes football lovers enjoy the game’ | OneFootball

FC Barcelona take on Getafe this Sunday on Matchday 5 of the 2025/26 La Liga at Estadi Johan Cruyff.

The Catalans go into the game with momentum behind them after back-to-back wins over Valencia (league) and Newcastle United (UEFA Champions League).

Both these victories were achieved despite the absence of one of their most important players – Lamine Yamal, who is recovering from pubic discomfort.

The 18-year-old prodigy has been working hard on his recovery, but Barcelona are unlikely to take any risks with him, especially with the crucial game against PSG coming up soon.

Jose Bordalas hopeful Lamine plays

However, speaking ahead of the game, Getafe manager Jose Bordalas stated that he hoped to see Lamine Yamal fit and available to play on Sunday, even though his availability would mean problems for his team.

‘I hope Lamine plays, so we can enjoy his game and enjoy watching him. We will face the difficulties that come with trying to minimise the virtues of a player like Lamine, but I always say that a player like him makes football lovers enjoy the game,” he said.

“And I am no exception, even though I am the opposing coach. Therefore, I hope Lamine is on the pitch.”

Lamine unlikely to play vs Getafe. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Despite Bordalas’ hopes, it is unlikely that Lamine will play against Getafe, with the idea being that he returns next week vs Real Oviedo.

On facing Barcelona

About facing Hansi Flick’s Barcelona outfit, Bordalas iterated that it was one of the toughest fixtures on the calendar for his team.

“Without a doubt, if it’s not the most difficult match, it’s one of the most difficult of the year and of the season. Because of the stature of the opponent and the form they are in at the start of the season,” said the Getafe boss.

Praising the quality of players in the Barça squad, he added: “They have incredible individuals, with a lot of talent and top-level players. We know it’s going to be difficult, but we’re facing it with the peace of mind that the team is working well.”

Continuing further, Bordalas said: “We have the utmost respect. The difference is enormous. In every aspect: history, budget, squad size, squad quality…

“We always have the utmost respect for our opponents, and we approach every match with the aim of getting a good result. It’s going to be very difficult,’ he added.”

The Getafe manager was then asked about Barcelona’s home match being played at Estadi Johan Cruyff, and whether it would affect their game.

‘They have a lot of talent, individual players, the ability to play in quick transitions, to link up with inside and outside play… It’s going to be difficult, whatever the setting. We don’t care about the stadium,” Bordalas said.

“The nice thing about the name Johan Cruyff is that he has been a role model for me and for many people. Not only in football, but also as a coach. That’s always nice.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo