Bordalas: What Getafe are doing is a blessing for football Getafe The coach and Molina spoke to MARCA

Getafe are exceeding all expectations in LaLiga Santander this season and are serious candidates for Champions League qualification again.

Currently third in the table, they'll take on Barcelona this weekend and Ajax are just around the corner.

MARCA sat down with coach Jose Bordalas and striker Jorge Molina to speak about their success.

You've known each other for 10 years since working together at Elche. How have you changed?

Bordalas: "I've known Jorge for a long time and we have a great relationship. We're older now and, in my case as coach, I have more experience, which helps you mature. I think it's the same for Jorge, and I've always thought he's mature."

Molina: "We've known each other for a long time and I believe that we're similar. It's been 10 years, you always try to gain experience and improve."

Did you imagine that you'd be able to improve on last season this term?

Bordalas: "It was an unimaginable season to qualify for the Europa League and be chasing the Champions League until the last matchday. Usually it's been difficult to play in Europe and LaLiga Santander, as we've seen recently with Villarreal for example. But we are alive, we've spread things around and treated both as important."

Next up are Barcelona and Ajax, which will be a battle of styles...

Molina: "We can't compare with them [laughing], but they're successful with what they do."

Bordalas: "It fills us with pride, but, as Jorge says, the style is down to taste. Getafe play very well, are very honest and are an example for everyone."

Let's look at Barcelona and Quique Setien, you tend to do well in these games.

Bordalas: "When you face a team, you're not going coach against coach. I've never thought of it like that and never will."

Molina: "It's clear that going to the Camp Nou is complicated, but we're hoping for something positive."

Bordalas: "We can't compare, there's a huge difference. Playing at the Camp Nou has always been difficult and they rarely drop points. But our players are showing that they know how to do things well and we've shown that all season."

It's inevitable that people will talk about the controversy between Setien and Bordalas. His words against you have been strong.

Bordalas: "I'm completely removed from that. It's in the past, I'm not spiteful. It's finished now and all I'm thinking about is my team's football."

Both of you have shown that you can reach the elite with smaller sides. Now at 37, Molina can be a star in LaLiga Santander.

Molina: "It's true. We're on an upwards trajectory and it's been hard to get here. There are other players like me too, like Jaime [Mata] and Angel."

Do you think that the criticism of Getafe's style and accusations of anti-football have already stopped?

Molina: "Surely some people still think that. You can see the stats from the Valencia game, though, and there's no debate. We have a lot of virtues and have a great repertoire."

Bordalas: "I've never worried about it myself. Getafe have always shown signs of being an example. A lot of teams have used us as a point of reference, and you can always learn from teams who do things right."

With weight control, more training than anyone, always pushing... How do the players deal with the daily demands?

Molina: "In the end, the coach is a motivator. He speaks to you a lot and if you're receptive you'll improve. One of his strengths is that he improves his players and teams. If you want to absorb his ideas you have to pay attention and you'll improve. Positive results reinforce his ideas a lot."

Bordalas: "Coaches have to be psychologists. Every player has their own personality. When they feel good they can play well in any team. All my players are good guys and I have no complaints."

There's a lot of demand, but there are good vibes and a real family feel around the dressing room, right?

Molina: "The coach brings confidence and he has a sense of humour. We laugh a lot."

Bordalas: "There are very funny people, sometimes I have to turn around so they don't see me laughing, but there's a very good atmosphere. Angel is very funny, Molina is very important and a reference for his teammates."

Molina: "Jokes are good and it's a healthy dressing room. Damian Suarez is like an uncle who creates a good atmosphere. Amath plays the music, he's very funny and is another key."

How important is Angel? What would you lose if he goes to Barcelona?

Bordalas: "I'd lose a lot. He's given us so much and still does. We hope he stays."

Molina: "He's an important player for all he gives us. He's a Getafe player and hopefully that continues."

Getafe keep doing unimaginable things and Molina is almost 38. On top of that, 50 of his 55 LaLiga Santander goals have come in his 30s.

Molina: "We have to know that the end is getting closer. As long as I feel good I'll keep fighting. It has cost a lot to get here, so we have to enjoy every moment."

The coach stopped smiling when Molina said the end is getting closer...

Bordalas: "He doesn't have to talk about it. Sometimes I tell him that he has to leave a legacy behind. Nowadays medicine has advanced, training is better and so is nutrition. Everyone can extend their careers and be a professional for longer. He has to enjoy every moment and think like a 20-year-old. I do the same as a coach. I don't think about being in LaLiga Santander or the Europa League, I only think about improving my team every day."

Even if you're only looking at the next game, it's a gift to be playing against Ajax.

Molina: "Yes, and you never know. When I signed for Getafe I never thought I'd face Ajax, but three years later here we are, which speaks of how well we do things."

Do Getafe reflect something also seen in Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool?

Bordalas: "We have our own personality. Two and a half years ago we were in the second division and now we're competing with the best, and we'll play against last season's Champions League semi-finalists. I have received congratulations from South America, from all over Europe, Australia and Japan. At Getafe we're not aware of the good we're doing. What Getafe have been able to do is crazy. We're a blessing for football, and I'd say the same if it was another team doing this."

Do you regret not reaching the Champions League last season?

Bordalas: "For me, no. I'm not someone who regrets the past. We're thinking about this season, enjoying every moment and trying to be better. Now, we want to get there."

Molina: "In the end you have to give more value to what has been achieved. Now we have to think about the next game and prepare for it."

How important is your home stadium, the Coliseum Alfonso Perez?

Molina: "The fans identify with the team and how we fight, and results help that."

Bordalas: "People recognise our effort. Our fans see that and they're happy. They're always with us and our president deserves a lot of credit. He trusted us and is very important. We're a family, we're all very close and we have to thank the fans."