Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini spoke to the media ahead of his side’s upcoming match against Real Madrid, addressing his team’s current form, squad availability, and the challenge posed by Alvaro Arbeloa’s side.
“Our team is in good shape, very aware of what’s at stake. I’ve always said it before: it’s important to be strong in both scenarios, whether it’s qualifying for Europe or winning La Liga. Now we have to try and finish these six matches strong, aiming for European qualification next
season.”
Pellegrini also discussed Isco’s condition and his gradual return from injury.
“My opinion of the last match wasn’t based solely on a first impression, but on the impact of Isco’s pass that led to the third goal. He delivered a very precise pass, a difficult ball, demonstrating his exceptional technical ability. We need to ease Isco back in very carefully, gradually. We don’t know exactly how many minutes he’ll be able to play; he’s not ready to play a full match or even start, but as he recovers from his injury, his playing time will gradually increase.”
Regarding squad availability for the match, Pellegrini confirmed a limited number of absences.
“The players left out of tomorrow’s squad are Ángel Ortiz, who is recovering, and Junior Firpo. Pablo García is playing for the reserve team today. The rest are all fit.”
The Betis coach also reflected on the significance of securing European qualification once again.
“I would consider it a great achievement to finish fifth again and qualify for European competition. Only Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atlético de Madrid have played in Europe for six consecutive years; no other club has done it, nor has Betis in its history. Having finished the season, with all the bittersweet moments that every season has, having reached the quarterfinals in both competitions and qualifying fifth again, would seem to me a very good season, regardless of the occasional setbacks.”
Pellegrini acknowledged Real Madrid’s recent struggles but warned of their enduring quality.
“Without a doubt, Real Madrid isn’t going through a good period, and for a team like that, leaving without a title is very difficult. But it’s still Real Madrid, and they still have players who can turn games around with just two touches. Regardless of their mood or whether they’re competing for something, a lapse in concentration against those players will quickly cost you. We have to play a very focused, intense game with much more defensive solidity than we’ve shown lately, which has been the downside to our recent results. Hopefully, we can demonstrate that on the pitch tomorrow, but Real Madrid is always going to be tough.”
He concluded by emphasizing the individual quality within Madrid’s squad and the need for concentration.
“The most dangerous thing about Real Madrid is precisely their individual talent. You can try to find different ways to stop them, but they have that quality that decides matches for a reason. It’s important tomorrow not to make defensive errors and to be very focused. We’re going to have scoring opportunities, and we have to try to take them calmly in the final third. We can’t afford to make mistakes to get a result because, when you have that level of players, they make the difference in any play.”
