Getafe vs Espanyol preview - Pochettino warns Espanyol - 7M sport

Getafe vs Espanyol preview - Pochettino warns Espanyol



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Posted Sunday, January 23, 2011 by PA

Espanyol coach Mauricio Pochettino is wary of the threat posed by a "wounded" Getafe outfit ahead of the Primera Division clash between the two sides in Madrid.

While Espanyol have won their last two league matches to consolidate fifth place at the halfway stage of the season, Getafe have picked up just a point from their last three games and went down 4-0 at home to Real Sociedad last weekend.

Nevertheless, Pochettino believes that scenario could be a dangerous one for his side.

"Getafe are a wounded team after their last result," he said.

"But they are one of the best teams in the league and have a very large potential despite their recent blip, which is something that has happened to us all this season."

Pochettino hopes his side will be at their clinical best to kill off their struggling opponents.

"It's important we do a lot of damage when we get chances - we need to take them," he said.

The Argentinian coach refused to discuss the future of defender Victor Ruiz, who has been in negotiations with Serie A side Napoli.

"We are only focused on the Getafe game and winning the three points," he said.

Ruiz has travelled with the squad to Madrid, but Raul Baena, Ivan Alonso, Dani Osvaldo, Felipe Mattioni, Ivan de la Pena and Ernesto Galan are sidelined.

Despite their poor recent form, Getafe are just three points behind sixth-placed Atletico Madrid at the league's halfway stage and seven adrift of Espanyol.

"Espanyol have been a revelation," defender Rafa Lopez said.

"But we are not too far behind."

Lopez says Getafe are keen to put last weekend's disappointment behind them.

"We are obliged to go out there, put in a good performance and win the game," he said.

Jaime Gavilan and Javier Arizmendi are set to miss out through injury, while Ibrahim Kas is doubtful.



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