Getafe boss Luis Garcia Plaza says he holds out more hope for next season than at any time since his arrival at the club.
The 40-year-old [pictured, right] is entering his third year at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez, making him one of the most experienced coaches in La Primera, and says he faces it with more optimism than in previous campaigns.
“I have much more hope than the first season I was here as I now know the club and supporters much better,” he told Marca.
“I think this year, with the exception of three or four teams, it’s going to be much more equal, so anything is a possibility.
“We freshened things up last year with the arrival of Fede Fernandez and Sergio Escudero. This year, if two or three players need to leave so others can come in then it could serve us just as well.”
The former Levante tactician agrees it would be difficult to change his side’s style of play with virtually the same players, whilst maintaining Getafe do not get the credit they deserve.
“It’s hard to change, but I don’t agree the team has played so badly in recent years. That’s a feeling you get here, one I don’t share, because when I go outside Madrid I’m congratulated on my side’s achievements.
“Reaching 10th in the La Liga is not easy. If we look at previous seasons, except the one when Michel was here, Getafe has always had the same statistics and suffered more than once.
“It’s true there has been great runs in the Copa del Rey and UEFA Cup, but not in the League.
“I think this year we can make people feel proud that this team can continue another year in the top flight.”
Nonetheless, Luis Garcia does not rule out another challenge for a Europa League place after coming so close last term.
“In the end, for whatever reason, we didn’t make it. But what is true is that I’m very excited about playing in Europe because I’ve never coached a team that has competed in European competition.
“Last year, despite still having a chance with eight games remaining, including the last one, we were unable to make it,” he lamented.
