Getafe stuck up De Jong's derogatory words in their Ajax dressing room
So aggrieved were Getafe by De Jong’s comments that they used them as a motivational tool for the second leg of the Europa League tie with Ajax.
Getafe enjoyed a historic night in Amsterdam. While they lost the second leg 2-1, the LaLiga club still pass to the Europa League last 16 after a tie that had everything.
The Dutch club were left frustrated by the first leg and several of their players complained after losing 2-0 in Madrid. Particularly annoyed was full-back Sergiño Dest, who took his frustrations out on the referee and Getafe’s perceived playacting.
“The referee fell into his game, it's sad. This had never happened to me before. The ref blew his whistle every time they threw themselves on the floor,” he said.
Captain, Dusan Tadic, was also blunt speaking to the club's media channels: "They (Getafe) will continue diving and asking for fouls in the second leg. They will want to play 42 minutes instead of 90 and will do those kinds of things.”
De Jong’s words after Getafe-Ajax
However, the words that most affected Getafe were those of former Ajax and current Barcelona player, Frenkie De Jong.
“The match between Getafe and Ajax was painful. For me, it was especially frustrating. Getafe does not play to entertain the crowd. I find it annoying to watch their games,” said the Dutch midfielder.
So aggrieved were Getafe by De Jong’s comments, that they used them as a motivational tool for the second leg in Ajax. As revealed by Dutch outlet Voetbal Primeur, Getafe printed and stuck up De Jong’s word in their dressing room in Amsterdam.
And José Bordalás’ strategy seemed to have an effect on a historic night for the South Madrid club as managed to dig out a goal to secure their place in the last 16 and a mouth-watering tie with Inter Milan.