Getafe is actively seeking a new manager as the highly regarded José Bordalás prepares to leave the club at the end of his contract this summer. Bordalás was recently honored as an adopted son of the city by Getafe’s local council and mayor in recognition of his contributions to Los Azulones, but this accolade seems to serve as a parting gesture.
At 62 years old, Bordalás has become a prominent figure in La Liga over the past decade, leading Getafe to the Europa League during his initial tenure from 2016 to 2021, which encompassed 212 matches. His return to the club in 2023 saw him rescue Getafe from relegation in the dying moments of the season, and he has since maintained a comfortable mid-table position for the last two seasons. With four games remaining this season, Bordalás’s second stint will total 133 matches, spanning three years.
Reasons for Bordalás’s Departure
This season has proven particularly challenging for Getafe, and according to Marca, Bordalás is reluctant to endure a similar scenario again. Last summer’s issues with player registrations and limited resources stretched his patience to the limit. Although a contract renewal offer was on the table since last summer, valid until 2028, Bordalás has changed agents and has not responded. He was linked with the Crystal Palace job in December, indicating his desire to leverage his reputation for a more lucrative opportunity abroad.
Getafe’s Search for a Successor
Getafe’s president, Ángel Torres, is already in the process of finding a successor and has pinpointed Fabio Celestini as his top choice. Celestini parted ways with CSKA Moscow earlier this week, having joined them last summer after achieving a cup and league double with FC Basel in his home country of Switzerland. He also has a history with Getafe, having played there for five years, and discussions are already underway for a potential agreement.
If a deal with Celestini cannot be finalized, former Real Oviedo coach and Serbia national team manager Veljko Paunovic is another potential candidate. Paunovic has the option to activate a release clause in his contract, and his son, Petar Paunovic, currently plays in Getafe’s academy. Whether it’s Celestini or Paunovic, either successor will face the difficult task of replacing what many consider to be Getafe’s best manager to date.