Nemanja Gudelj, the 35-year-old Serbian midfielder, has sent a message to Getafe CF's dressing room ahead of the club's first Conference League campaign. The player, who joined the Madrid side in the 2024 transfer window, has explained that the European competition demands a completely different mindset from La Liga, according to Cadena SER.
What Gudelj said about the Conference League
"Son partidos totalmente diferentes a en LaLiga", Gudelj said, meaning matches are totally different from those in La Liga, stressing that the physical and tactical intensity shifts sharply against European opponents. The midfielder insisted the squad must adapt quickly to that change in rhythm if Getafe want to make the most of the continental run.
Why he signed for Getafe
Gudelj has admitted that manager Jose Bordalas and the Conference League itself were the main reasons he agreed to join Getafe. The Serbian, who won two Europa League titles with Sevilla FC, said both the club's interest and his own personal feelings tipped the decision.
The midfielder recalled his Sevilla years to illustrate the level Getafe can aim for in Europe. "Vino el Manchester, la Juve o la Roma en la final y parecieron equipos pequeños", he said, meaning even Manchester United, Juventus and Roma looked like small teams in those finals.
What he thinks about refereeing decisions
Gudelj also said he senses outside opinions are influencing refereeing calls against Getafe, though he did not point to specific incidents. The midfielder wanted to flag that feeling without stirring a bigger row before the international break.
How Getafe stand heading into the Conference League
At 35, Gudelj says he still demands growth from himself within Bordalas' system, insisting he is fully committed to the manager's style of play. Getafe take on this European challenge while sitting 15th in La Liga with 4 points from four games, having posted one win, one draw and two defeats so far this season.
The team has scored 2 goals and conceded 5, a goal difference of minus 3, and sits 8 points behind leaders Barcelona. Fans can check the club's current numbers on the stats page, and the updated table on the standings page.
The next fixture on the calendar
Getafe host Deportivo La Coruna, currently 5th in the table, on 13 September 2026 at the Coliseum. Before that game, Bordalas must cope without Abdel Abqar, Christantus Uche, Juanmi, Kiko Femenia and Francho Serrano, all listed on the club's injuries page, while the full squad list is available on the squad page.
