‘Independence distracting Barcelona’

Angel Torres has assessed that Getafe face Barcelona three times in the next month at a good moment, as ‘Barcelona are distracted with the independence’.

Barca’s autonomous community of Catalonia have recently agreed to hold a referendum on their independence, next year, but have seen the Spanish government assert an intention to block it.

Barca, who have long supported Catalonia’s identities and values, are seen by Getafe’s President as perhaps distracted in the current political landscape, ahead of three matches with his Madrid side upcoming.

Los Azulones host Barca on Sunday in Week 17’s round of League fixtures, whilst respective Cup wins for the two teams this midweek have set up a Last 16 meeting in early January.

“I see them as distracted with the independence. Let’s see if we can match them now,” considered Angel Torres to reporters today.

“It’s a good moment. They have room to improve, that has to be recognised.

“Both on Sunday and in the Cup, we will have to play at 150 per cent. We will try.

“In 2007 we achieved it [in the Copa del Rey semi-finals] and we will give our best now.

“Facing Barca three times in the next month is fine for a small team. Now we shall play some attractive games and the media will see a little more of Getafe.”

Los Azulones will face the Catalans this weekend in the League with Lionel Messi and Neymar absent.

“They have a great team. Messi is the best player in the world and Neymar is doing well now. They have others who will play and they are a good team.

“We have to play on Sunday and then again on January 7 or 8 to play there and then here, we shall see…”

The President also mused on how he would change the Copa del Rey, to boost interest in the competition.

“We have to change the model of the draw. It would be more attractive to go to the draw for the next round tomorrow. The Federation has told me that there is no time, but it would be nice to go round by round.

“The semi-finals are the only times when it feels interesting. I would support the draw being done after every round.”

Tags Angel Torres
La Liga - Club News