‘I want to make it clear’ – Crystal Palace manager target publicly disagrees with president in surprise twist
Jose Bordalas has publicly disagreed with Getafe president Angel Torres after he claimed the Spaniard does not speak English.
It was reported this week that Oliver Glasner has decided to leave Crystal Palace at the end of the season, with the Eagles set to target Bordalas as his replacement.
The Austrian has had several bust-ups with the board, and now looks set to see out the end of his contract.
Palace were beaten 4-1 by Leeds United on Saturday, but will hope to progress to the semi-final of the Carabao Cup when they play Arsenal on Tuesday.
Bordalas is a notorious figure in La Liga, with his team often set up to frustrate their opponents with deep defensive blocks.
Jose Bordalas responds to Angel Torres
Palace have started to prepare for the departure of Glasner, despite remaining hope that a deal can be agreed with the Austrian.
The 51-year-old was appointed in 2024 and led the Eagles to FA Cup glory against Manchester City in the summer.
| Oliver Glasner | Crystal Palace |
| Wins | 43 |
| Draws | 24 |
| Losses | 22 |
| Scored | 149 |
| Conceded | 103 |
Palace have enjoyed a strong season so far, too, and will be hopeful of winning the Conference League despite a disappointing league stage.
But a managerial change looms next summer, with decision-makers at Selhurst Park reportedly having identified Bordalas as their ideal replacement for Glasner.
On Friday, Getafe president Torres responded to the links, and told Cadena SER: “Many absurd things have been said, like that the coach was going to go there. He’s very happy here and besides, he doesn’t speak English. Why would he go there?”
But in an interesting twist, the head coach himself rubbished Torres’ claim when he spoke to the press on Saturday, ahead of Getafe’s clash with Real Betis.
“Yesterday, you all know our president,” the Spaniard explained. “He made some statements and you know that when you put a microphone in front of him.
“He made a comment that the manager doesn’t speak English. I want to make it clear to everyone that both my staff and I speak English. Just in a joking way, let’s make that clear.”
Bordalas delivers public response to Crystal Palace links
Bordalas finds himself under some pressure at Getafe, with his side in a poor patch of form.
The Spanish side have lost three consecutive games, failing to score against Villarreal and Espanyol before they were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Segunda Division side CF Burgos.
The 61-year-old carries huge favour at Getafe, however, and his side still sit in a strong 10th place in La Liga.
Asked about links to Palace in the build-up to Thursday’s defeat, he told Cadena Cope: “I am focused solely and exclusively on my club, Getafe, and on tomorrow’s match in Burgos. That is my focus. There is nothing else.”
But should the Premier League come calling next summer, that stance will be strongly tested.