Crystal Palace is quietly planning for life after Oliver Glasner. Reports suggest that the Austrian manager will complete his contract before departing, leaving the club’s leadership with the challenging task of finding a suitable replacement who can replicate his FA Cup success against Manchester City.
Enter José Bordalás
One name reportedly at the top of Crystal Palace’s wishlist is José Bordalás, the tenacious Spaniard known for his teams that secure the midfield like rush-hour traffic in Madrid. Speculation is rife about whether he would trade the tactical battles of La Liga for the fast-paced environment of the Premier League. However, one advantage is that he would not have to learn Spanglish.
Fan Reactions and Upcoming Matches
The rumors surrounding Bordalás have sparked conversations among fans, especially as Palace is recovering from a disappointing 4-1 defeat against Leeds. Despite this setback, fans can look forward to an exciting Carabao Cup semi-final match against Arsenal, which promises to deliver unexpected twists.
With Glasner’s relationship with the board reportedly strained, preparations are already underway for a managerial change. However, there remains a glimmer of hope that Glasner might still consider signing a new contract.
Getafe’s Reactions
In Spain, Getafe’s president, Ángel Torres, has tried to dampen the speculation, stating, “He’s very happy here and doesn’t speak English.” However, Bordalás himself has reassured fans by mentioning that he and his coaching staff are fully capable of communicating in English, adding a light-hearted touch to the ongoing uncertainty.
Current Status and Challenges
Bordalás faces his own challenges as Getafe is currently experiencing a slump with three consecutive losses, including blank performances against Villarreal and Espanyol, followed by a Copa del Rey elimination at the hands of Segunda side CF Burgos. Despite these setbacks, he remains respected at the club and sits comfortably in midtable, currently positioned tenth in La Liga.
When questioned about the Palace links, Bordalás responded that his primary focus is entirely on Getafe and the challenges ahead.
A Potential Premier League Move
If the Premier League comes calling next summer, Bordalás’s commitment may be put to the test. Would he be able to resist leaving behind his tight defensive strategies for the exhilarating pace of English football? If nothing else, this situation promises to be a captivating transfer saga, and one can only imagine the difficulty the British press might face in pronouncing his surname correctly.