By Alex RobertsIf you thought Mikel Arteta’s ‘cornerball’ or José Mourinho’s ‘parking the bus’ were rough, you’re in for a real lesson. The 62-year-old is unlike almost every other modern Spanish manager.As is so often the case, those that go against the norm aren’t always welcomed by their peers. Back in 2020, then Barcelona manager Quique Setién said of Bordalás’ style: “this isn’t football. It’s something else and it makes my blood boil.”You’re really not going to find anyone from Barcelona’s tiki-taka, pass and move school of thinking that have a kind work for Bordalás. Xavi shared Setien’s sentiment during his spell in charge at the Camp Nou, adding: “Normal people don’t want to watch football like that,” after his side were held to a frustrating draw.This is Bordalás’ second spell at Getafe. Following their relegation in 2025/16, he was the man tasked with the job of bringing them back up. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it wasn’t pretty, but he got it done, in a very bricks and mortar, meat and potatoes kinda way.Few expected them to do too much in their first season back in the big time. Getafe shocked everyone, finishing eight, missing out on a place in the Europea League by just three points, with Sevilla in seventh.Getafe were 20th for average possession (39.5%), 20th for accurate passes per 90 (199.3), and 17th for touches in the opposition box (632). On the flip side, they ended the season in third for goals conceded per 90 (0.9). So, there was method to the perceived madness.Again, as 2018/19 rolled around, Getafe and Bordalás were dismissed by the media. It was just dumb luck, they were a one season wonder, surely a club couldn’t find sustained success in LaLiga playing such football!?Again, Getafe proved them all wrong, only this time, they did better. If it wasn’t for an 87th minute Gerard Moreno goal in their 2-2 draw on the final day of the season, we would have seen Bordalás in the Champions League.A couple of disappointing seasons after, Bordalás left for Valencia and Getafe opted for a change of direction, and hiring Quique Sánchez Flores, who is indeed a more progressive, forward-thinking coach.Bordalás did well, guiding Valencia to a ninth placed finish and even reaching the Copa del Rey final, but his style of play was too bitter of a pill for the fans to swallow. He was replaced by Genaro Gattuso, who was sacked after 22 games.Back at Getafe, it was perhaps too much change too quickly, however, and after two years and two consecutive 15th placed finishes, Getafe decided they should have tried to fix what wasn’t broken in the first place.Fast forward to the current day, Getafe have just secured qualification for next season’s Conference League, beating out this season’s finalists Rayo Vallecano by a single point. The dichotomy between the two sides is wild, by the way.Getafe are seriously punching above their weight. They’re currently spending the 12th most on squad wages, with only one of them, Borja Mayoral, amongst the top 100 LaLiga players in terms of their individual earnings.This past season, the numbers tell a very clear story. Getafe are fast, direct, their games are very… hard on the eye, if we’re being brutally honest. Bordalás’ side are masters of the dark arts, in a way that would make Mourinho blush.They’ve committed the most fouls per match at 15.2, have been handed the second most yellow cards (103), and the third most reds with eight. When you actually sit down to watch a full game, one of the very first things you notice is just how long the ball is inactive. Now, that’s not entirely their fault, LaLiga referees are famously pretty trigger happy. Bordalás addressed that fact a few years ago, saying: “The essence of football is being lost a bit and too much impact is being given to things that are natural. “For example, we are a league where, and this is not a criticism, all fouls are called, there is no rhythm of play, there is no help from almost anyone. Everything is being exaggerated. We are seeing incredible penalties being called.“The coaches, in my case, before a game and during the week have to constantly warn the players to be careful with each jump, to be careful with their hands, not to go to the ground, although these are natural things in a game, in a contact sport.”The rest of the stats are truly remarkable. Getafe were rock bottom for xG (30.6), shots on target per match (2.8), big chances created (48), accurate passes per match (198.4), and touches in the opposition box (582). They’re also 20th for average home attendance (8196), so, perhaps that tells its own story.By right, they should have been relegated, only Real Oviedo scored fewer goal than Getafe, but at the other end of the pitch, they’re so well organised. Every single one of their players has bought in to what Bordalás wants.Getafe finished the season third for xG conceded (42.3), third for interceptions per match (8.9), fourth for tackles per match (18), and third for clearances per match (28). They also somehow conceded the fewest penalties (4), which is quite something.Bordalás is clearly a very divisive figure in Spanish football, but perhaps that what it needs, an agitator, disruptor, who isn’t afraid to do things a little differently. Either way, Getafe are reaping the benefits.(Images via IMAGO)You can follow every Getafe game with FotMob – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.Add FotMob as a preferred news source on Google by clicking – here.