The Real Betis coach, Manuel Pellegrini, spoke ahead of a big week that includes a league match against Elche and the looming King’s Cup final. He stressed that the team is entering a crucial period with real potential to stay in European contention and to lift a trophy at the end of the season. For Pellegrini, the focus is simple: win against Elche to secure three points and keep the pursuit of European football alive, while also preparing for the cup final that starts midweek. This approach reflects a pragmatic mindset in a season where every result matters for Betis and their ambitions in both the league and in cup competition.
Pellegrini explained that, while a week off would be ideal to fully reset, the reality is four days between the Elche fixture and the cup final. He believes this short window is workable because the squad should recover quickly and be ready for the challenges ahead. His plan remains oriented toward practical recovery and maintaining peak form for the two big tasks ahead. The coach emphasized that the team must stay focused on the league duel while keeping an eye on the cup showpiece that could cap the campaign, noting that in football, there is no room for leisure when serious targets are on the line.
Throughout the season Pellegrini has highlighted the importance of balancing results with long-term objectives. His approach is to select the strongest lineup possible for each match, driven by individual performances within a collective framework. He hinted that bets are placed on the players who have shown consistency and impact, while always considering the overall team functioning as the deciding factor for selection. This philosophy underpins Betis with the aim of sustaining momentum across competitions and finishing strongly in the standings.
Pellegrini also addressed the challenge posed by Elche, noting that the visitors recently changed their coach and adapted their system after a run of defeats. He warned that Elche possess dangerous attacking players who could complicate Betis’s task, underscoring that Betis must stay attentive and compact to continue their fight for a position among the league’s top teams. The analysis highlighted a tactical contest as Elche seeks to disrupt Betis while exploiting any gaps on the counterattack.
In the broader context of the league, Pellegrini described Seville as a direct rival in the race for European football. He pointed to prominent clubs such as Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Real Sociedad, and a Villarreal side with a strong squad as true competitors for the remaining European spots. This setup keeps Betis focused on their own performances and results, with no room for complacency as the campaign progresses toward its final stages.
The coach also touched on refereeing and officiating, acknowledging that while progress has been made, some issues persist. He argued that calm authoritative decisions are essential for fair play and that the introduction of VAR has helped reduce errors, though not entirely eliminate them. Pellegrini stressed that refereeing errors cannot be entirely erased, but the system should continue to evolve to strengthen the integrity of matches and the experience for players and fans alike.
Ultimately, Pellegrini conveyed a measured confidence in his squad, stressing that mistakes are part of football and that not every issue can be resolved immediately. His message centered on maintaining focus, high performance, and fair conduct from everybody involved. He finished by reiterating that Betis will strive to perform at the highest level in both the league and the cup while keeping the broader objective of European qualification within reach, driven by a clear plan and a belief in the squad’s resilience and quality. This perspective positions Betis to approach the upcoming fixtures with determination and a readiness to compete at the highest level in Spanish football.