LOPETEGUI: 'GETAFE WILL MAINTAIN THEIR ESSENCE OF LAST YEAR WITH SOME NEW TRAITS FROM MICHEL'

22/08/2021

The coach admitted it has been difficult to work with a squad that could still change

Julen Lopetegui appeared before the media this afternoon ahead of tomorrow's match against Getafe. The coach has been able to prepare it better than the league opener, but it still hasn't been easy: 'We've had a different week than the last, but we've equally had players coming in in different moments. They've come back from COVID-19 at different times and some are coming back with injury. We'll see what the situation is tomorrow and what call we make regarding the players who were out of the last match.'

Despite Bordalás' departure, who changed Getafe's DNA, Julen does not think we will see a too different Getafe tomorrow: 'I am expecting a tough game against a good side who are keeping their essence from last year. None of their key players left and they strengthened themselves well in the market, improving their squad. To that you add the arrival of an experienced coach and who knows the club. He will try and make the most of what he has while adding his own touch. I'm expecting a similar Getafe to previous years but with a personal touch from Michel. It will be tough against a strong team.'

Speaking about the latest arrivals, Lopetegui said they could make the match: 'They are registered and ready to play. We will make that call. In a week in which we've had players coming back from COVID-19, injuries, we've also had these new arrivals. We have to get the group fully together to make the squad and put out the best eleven possible. Everyone is welcome. If they are here it's because we want them. They all know the demands of the club and we will try and help them adapt as quick as possible so they can help us improve.'

'The new arrivals are registered with the league and ready for use tomorrow'

Regarding the make-up of the squad, Lopetegui is focusing on one aspect: 'Some players have left and others have come in. That was how we planned it and now we will face up to the demands of the season with excitement and motivation. To even equal what we did in previous seasons will not be easy. Our focus is to play well against Getafe and little more. Everything else in the mid and long-term is for you to talk about. The coach only thinks about the next game and that keeps us focused.'

'We have to accept that La Liga starts with the transfer window still open'

It's not easy to begin a season when the squad could still change, but the team must adapt to the situation: 'We have to accept that La Liga starts with the transfer window still open. It's not ideal but we have to get on with it for three matches. After 31 August we will have our squad for the rest of the season. It's not in our hands and I don't know what will happen. We have something more important than the transfer window - the game against Getafe. That's what we're focusing on.

Speaking about Jules Koundé, he says the player is motivated despite rumours of his exit: 'He's doing well given the circumstances that are out of our hands. And it's not just him. There are other players who are working with this eventuality that will become definite on 31 August. After that date, we will only be focusing on the players who are still here. What matters is tomorrow's match.'