Bordalás: Barcelona Are Best Without the Ball

Getafe coach José Bordalás has praised Barcelona’s work rate and pressing, describing them as the best team in La Liga without the ball.

Speaking ahead of Getafe’s league clash with Barcelona, Bordalás highlighted the team’s ability to react quickly after losing possession and repeatedly put pressure on their opponents.

“Barça have players who repeat efforts and react after losing the ball like nobody else,” he said.

The Getafe manager added that he admires Barcelona even more when they are defending than when they have possession.

“I really like them with the ball, but I like them even more without it. Right now, I think they're also the best team in La Liga without the ball,” Bordalás said.

His comments point to an important part of Barcelona’s approach under Hansi Flick: pressing immediately after losing possession, working together to recover the ball and preventing opponents from building attacks comfortably.

Bordalás also described Barcelona as one of the strongest teams in the league and even in Europe, acknowledging the quality and physical intensity of Flick’s squad.

The praise came before the two sides met at the Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday, October 10. Barcelona went on to win the match 3-0, extending their winning run in La Liga.

Bordalás’ assessment highlights how Barcelona’s defensive work away from the ball has become an important part of their identity, alongside their technical quality and attacking play.