The Betis Brazilian winger takes stock of his first months in Spain of learning and adapting and believes in the comeback against United.
Luiz Henrique (Petrópolis, 2001) is one of the great sensations of the excellent season for Real Betis. Just months after his arrival, the very young Brazilian has already shown what he can do with confidence, dribbling and scoring.
The former Fluminense player has particularly shined in the UEFA Europa League, scoring two goals and providing two assists in his first 7 appearances in European competitions. Now he wants to continue to shine in the continental tournament and believes the Verdiblancos’ comeback against Manchester United in the round of 16 is still possible, as he explained to GOAL as part of the campaign. prodigies of the UEFA Europa League.
How do you rate your first season at Betis and playing in Europe?
“My first season at Betis has been very good. The team is improving a lot, Pellegrini talks to me a lot and he helps me a lot. My first season was very good because all the players that come from Brazil always have a difficult season.” time in football from here, it is very fast, you always have a player behind you and you have to think in advance”.
What has impressed you most at Betis?
“The Betis fans. They are very good and they always help the players, they always support them, they are always with the team and the stadium is full. I am impressed”.
How has Manuel Pellegrini helped you adapt and improve your game?
“He always asks me before matches and in training to compete against my rivals and not stop.”
Do the dribbling players miss?
“No. I’m learning little by little, I still have a lot to learn. It’s my first season and I’m learning from the most experienced like Joaquín and Guardado who always talk to me.”
Do you think it is possible to come back in the first leg against Manchester United after the 4-1 first leg?
“It’s going to be a tough game, but like any game, we’re going to fight, play and give everything against Manchester.”
How did it feel to play on such an iconic ground as Old Trafford?
“I felt very happy. I had never played a match like this, against Manchester and at home. It was a good experience, but now we have to concentrate on the home game and give everything”.
Are you surprised by the impressive atmosphere during the matches in Benito Villamarín?
“When the fans sing, it’s very good, it touches you. I was surprised when I saw it. The rest of the players had already talked to me about it and it’s been really good.”
Compatriots like Fred, Casemiro or Antony play at Manchester United, are they a mirror to look at yourself?
“Antony is a player who plays as a striker and I have always watched him. I have always seen Casemiro and I want to play with him in the national team. I hope to work hard here so that there can be a coach one day.” call me and play with him and also with Fred who is a good player. I have great admiration for Antony, who is a player with more similar characteristics to mine.”
How are Luiz Felipe and other colleagues helping you to adapt to Europe?
“It’s a new country and a new culture for me. I’m learning from Luiz Felipe and Willian, who has been here for a while and helps me.”
At Betis you also play with Canales, Fekir or Joaquín, what do you learn from that?
“When I signed here I spoke to Denilson, who played with Joaquín at Betis. He told me about Canales, Fekir and Joaquín and told me he would improve a lot here. They are players who talk a lot with the new people who come. They talk to me a lot and game by game I play well”.
What message would you send to the Betis fans to help them achieve the comeback against United?
“I want to send a message to the fans that our people always support us and I hope they don’t stop singing against Manchester at home as that will help us a lot.”
Where anything can happen
The interview with Luiz Henrique is part of the Europa League Wonderkids series, which shares the challenges that talented and ambitious players must overcome to reach their full potential. The knockout stage of the Europa League continues with a new three-part series celebrating the Wonderkids of the tournament in the current football season. Watch the video of the Wonderkids series here.
Source: Goal