Getafe vs Levante preview - Garcia wants positive response

Posted Thursday, November 28, 2013 by PA

Getafe coach Luis Garcia has called on his side to prove their mental toughness and respond positively to their thrashing at Atletico Madrid when they host Levante on Friday night.

Getafe have made a largely positive start to the season but were hopelessly outclassed at the Vicente Calderon last time out, conceding five times in the second half in a 7-0 drubbing at the hands of Diego Simeone's men.

Garcia is optimistic seventh-placed Getafe can bounce back although he stressed it would be far from routine against a Levante side without a win in four games.

"They are only three points behind us and to win we will have to play a great game," he said in Marca.

"The league is a bit split. From sixth place down to Levante in 17th it's just three points. It is important for us to make that six."

Garcia has great respect for his opposite number Joaquin Caparros and is expecting a tough game at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez.

"Levante follow the lead of their coach Caparros. They are very tough and force you to work very hard. We will have to be very mentally strong," he said.

Levante have lost their last three league games and striker David Barral admits confidence levels are in need of repair.

"Obviously when you low, you have low self-esteem," he said at a press conference.

"But the team will recover with a win. We need a win quickly to raise confidence."

Barral had to settle for a place on the bench in Sunday's 3-0 defeat to Villarreal but is set to earn a recall on Friday with Baba Diawara struggling with a groin injury.