Verbruggen: Long road trip has been good for team spirit

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Albion play their fifth successive away game against Getafe tonight.

Bruce Talbot

2026-11-05T06:00+00:00

Bart Verbruggen speaks to the media ahead of tonight's game against Getafe. 📷James Boardman

Bart Verbruggen says Albion's run of five successive away games has helped make the bond between the players even stronger.

In the past fortnight Albion have played Jablonek in Czechia, Liverpool at Anfield and Manchester City twice in four days at the Etihad.

The road trip ends in Spain tonight when Albion take on Getafe on matchday three of the league stage in the UEFA Conference League.

The keeper was asked whether the last couple of weeks had felt like being a rock band on tour.

"Obviously, physically it is a little bit harder if you play away because you have the travelling. When you're at home, you don't have to do that, which helps," he said.

"But I also think it was nice. I have enjoyed it. You spend a lot of time together. Like you said, we have a great togetherness in the team; we enjoy spending time together.

"We enjoy the time in the hotel, on the planes, everywhere. It's been a bit of both. I wouldn't call us a rock band, but we had some fun for sure."

Fabian Hurzeler and Bart Verbruggen face the media ahead of tonight's match. 📷James Boardman

Getafe's Estadio Coliseum is being rebuilt and tonight's attendance will be around 10,000.

But head coach Fabian Hurzeler still expects a lively atmosphere.

"I think it's always an advantage if the home team plays at home in front of their supporters. We experienced it in the last away game in Europe in Jablonec," he said.

"It was also a tough challenge to go there. Therefore, we have to be used to it, and I have a big trust in my team that we don't get affected by the environment.

"We have to stay really focused on the things on the pitch, on our jobs, our task, individual performances and team performances. Then hopefully we can get the win.

But our responsibility is also to try to stay rational, don't take too much emotion out of individual actions. Really be focused in your mind and don't let yourself be affected by the atmosphere. I know Getafe can be a very energetic environment and we have to be prepared for that."