Pellegrini Addresses Upcoming Match and Team Dynamics

omidbasir- Manuel Pellegrini, the head coach of Real Betis, spoke this afternoon at the Ciudad Deportiva Luis del Sol press room to analyze how his team is preparing for the upcoming match in LaLiga EA Sports, scheduled for tomorrow against Mallorca at Son Moix. Notably, the Colombian player Cucho Hernández will not be available for this match.

Regarding their aspirations for Champions League qualification, Pellegrini stated, “In football, with 45 points still up for grabs, anything is possible as long as the math allows it. We must never lose hope or believe all is lost. However, our fate also hinges on other teams; we could win all our matches, yet if Villarreal or Atlético also succeed, we may not catch up to them. Our focus should be on enhancing our performance and accumulating as many points as possible in LaLiga, especially this month as we concentrate solely on domestic competitions. The ambition is always to finish as high as possible.”

On the absence of Thursday matches, Pellegrini noted the strength of the squad, which consists of 25 players. He emphasized the need to focus on each match and monitor players’ recovery post-game. “Many factors influence our choice of a competitive starting eleven and the effectiveness of substitutions. Due to numerous injuries, we have faced challenges in maintaining our competitiveness across three tournaments. Sadly, we experienced a disappointing exit from the Copa del Rey after our match against Atlético. Our current concentration is entirely on LaLiga, and we hope to have more players recovered by the time we resume Europa League play next month.”

Discussing Cédric Bakambu’s performance, Pellegrini recalled last year’s match against Mallorca, where Bakambu scored following an assist from Ortiz. He remarked, “Cédric has consistently worked hard, which is why there has been a demand for a striker. Our team ranks among the top scorers in LaLiga, and Cédric is aware of the coaching staff’s assessment. Improvements in any position are welcome, but we have priorities. I hope he can convert the opportunities he is receiving, as it would greatly boost his confidence.”

Addressing Atlético Madrid’s recent victory over Barcelona, Pellegrini stated, “I do not find relief in another team’s loss, as we have suffered losses ourselves. Football is unpredictable, and while it may seem improbable for certain outcomes, the nature of the game resists rational explanations. We continue to feel the disappointment of our own elimination, which was a result of a subpar performance.”

When asked about targeting European competition through LaLiga, Pellegrini affirmed, “LaLiga will always be our priority, as it is a long journey leading towards European competitions, which we have aimed for over the years. Currently, we are focused exclusively on LaLiga with four matches ahead and a month until the Europa League qualification.”

Regarding the return of players Isco and Amrabat, Pellegrini stated, “Those questions should be directed to the medical team. Their injuries are based on individual sensations, heavily depending on the players’ progression as they increase their workload. We must remain patient and hope for their swift recovery, as both are vital players for our squad.”

On Antony’s pubalgia, Pellegrini explained, “Typically, discomfort increases when the body is cold compared to after an intense warm-up. We hope that as he continues his recovery work throughout the week, his pubalgia will lessen. Antony manages his weekly training to be in top condition for matches. Once he warms up, his discomfort diminishes significantly. We are carefully monitoring his situation alongside the medical team, and I hope for his improvement soon.”

Lastly, when discussing players facing suspension ahead of the derby, Pellegrini stated, “Personally, I do not concern myself with who has yellow cards or not. We aim to field the best possible eleven for every match. We prioritize securing the next three points, which are crucial. As the derby week arrives, we are aware of its significance for Betis supporters and the city, and we strive to perform well and earn three points, while not neglecting our other goals.”