Pellegrini analysed Betis Sevilla's upcoming La Liga match against Real Madrid tomorrow.

Betis Sevilla manager Pellegrini held a press conference this afternoon at the Luis del Sol Sports City to discuss how the team will approach tomorrow's La Liga matchday four fixture against Real Madrid at La Cartuja stadium. He also used the opportunity to comment on the transfer window, which closed on Tuesday, reiterating his belief that the team still needs a defensive midfielder.

On the team's approach to the match: "Like all teams at the start of the season, we're finding our rhythm game by game. We've played three matches—the first two were quite good, and the last one was very poor. The team's performance fluctuates, which happens often. We hope to play well in the next match and regain our level at home."

On the transfer window closing without signing a defensive midfielder: "The squad is closed, and as you said, that's how it is. I've already stated my original opinion, and it won't change in three or four days. We'll assess things week by week and find the best solution."

On having only two defensive midfielders in the squad: "You should conduct those analyses yourselves. This week I'll try different solutions to see what happens on the pitch and test various positions. We all know each player's qualities, and we know that each has the ability and right to build a team. We'll continue observing whether they can play together, whether the schedule is tight, whether someone is injured... These factors will always determine the ideal lineup for each match."

On whether Ceballos can make a qualitative difference: "I've already stated what we need. I think Ceballos' career at Betis has proven he's a quality player who can help us in that position. We'll have different options, and there's no doubt he'll be a very good addition to the team. As for other analyses, let's set them aside for now. If you ask me specifically about Ceballos, he'll undoubtedly be an important option."

Can Ceballos play tomorrow? "No, Ceballos is not in the squad. He just joined the team and needs a few days to integrate. He hasn't played in a long time, so he's not ready for tomorrow."

On disagreements with the club's sporting directors: "Everyone has the right to their opinion, and opinions differ. I won't publicly discuss possible internal comparisons within the club."

On his history with Mourinho: "Mourinho and I have known each other for many years and had many confrontations on the pitch. There was a heated exchange between us long ago, but that's had no bearing for a long time. Everyone can say what they want. I was very happy at Málaga—it was one of the best decisions of my career—so there's no conflict between us. Perhaps the media want to create opposition. We've faced each other often: sometimes I win, sometimes I lose. I've always had a very good opinion of him as a manager, and I think he's much more mature now than a few years ago and speaks more rationally."

On Pablo García's departure: "There are several controversial aspects to Pablo García's exit. First, I spoke with him about a month ago, maybe three weeks back, and told him he should stay because he's an important player, but he still needs to mature and grow—he has a very promising future. Second, he wanted to leave; in recent weeks he's been looking for opportunities and communicating with relevant people, hoping to secure a move. Third, I think after so many years at Betis, he may have been emotionally affected."

On tomorrow's opponent Real Madrid: "It'll be a very difficult match, as always against top teams in the league—whether Real Madrid, Barcelona, or Atlético Madrid. Real Madrid has signed many players this year, are currently in good form, and have players who can be game-changers. If we want to take points, we need to play a very complete match."

On other absent players: "Giovani Lo Celso and Abde are not in tomorrow's squad. Giovani is almost ready—he's participated in nearly all training sessions with the team. Abde has shown flu-like symptoms today, so he couldn't attend. We hope both will be available next week."

On Anthonyx and other absences: "Diego Conde and Aitor are unavailable due to previous injuries. Anthony had a viral infection a few days ago with fever and flu symptoms, but he's trained normally for three straight days, so he'll be in the squad tomorrow. As for the rest, only Óscar Lozada is excluded from the 23-man squad, and Ceballos, who is just beginning to integrate into the team."

On position depth: "You should all know my opinion by now. Otherwise, I would have said it sooner: we still need an attacking midfielder, a center forward, a goalkeeper, and a full-back. Then you can ask if the current squad is sufficient. If I say we still need a player and that player hasn't arrived, my opinion remains the same. Other positions have dual coverage, just as in previous years, so there are no major issues."

On how he sees Ceballos' position: "I don't think this will create constraints. As you said, both players are very versatile. Ceballos has played behind the striker, alongside the defensive midfielder, and on the wing. Pablo Fornals can do that too. Their qualities aren't limited to one position—they can play in different roles."

On Iker Losada's decision to stay: "I have no particular opinion. For me, the squad is the squad, and I'll decide which players are in best form for each match. It's not my job to send players away; my job is to do my best to guide them and keep them available. These players were also only recently signed. From that perspective, I think Losada knows my view. His position is difficult because he has Isco, Lo Celso, Ceballos, and Fornals ahead of him, but the player himself makes the decision. My job is to work with them, whether they're the strongest, weakest, most expensive, or cheapest players—it's all the same to me, and the demands are the same."

On fan frustration over the transfer window: "I understand that football is full of passion, not pure rationality. Betis fans have that passion, and naturally, everyone wants a stronger squad. We must also recognize that expectations will be higher. Champions League football will bring many frustrations and difficult moments, but I believe this team has always responded over the years. We've had seasons where we sold far more than we bought, but the team always knew how to improve. Now we face a higher level due to the Champions League. Fans are certainly excited about it, but I believe that in the end, it will be the same Betis fans who support the team, and Betis players will give their best in every match to satisfy them."

Can he guarantee the team will progress? "I can't predict the future. However, I can tell you that in football, anything can happen, which is why this sport is so popular. We played very well in the first two matches, and our opponents didn't score, and in the previous season, opponents also didn't score against us. Levante hadn't scored a single goal before, but they scored five against us and conceded five. That's football—every day is different. I always tell the players: you have 24 hours to celebrate a win and 24 hours to digest the disappointment of a loss. The next match is completely different, and we'll approach things with the same mentality we've had over the last seven seasons."

On De Ossa's conversation with his teammates: "I've already said I won't interfere in whether players accept or reject offers. Nilson De Ossa spoke yesterday about a different matter—nothing personal to him. It was a personal issue he wanted to share with the whole team. It has nothing to do with football; it's just a matter off the pitch, nothing major and no significant impact."

On Morante's return: "Morante is indeed in the squad. Unfortunately, he suffered a serious knee injury previously, and this is the first time he's been able to participate in nearly 100% of training sessions. So yes, he's been called up."

On the European squad and Amrabat's situation: "Regarding the squad, this is the current squad, nothing more. As for Amrabat, I've always kept in touch with all the players who left, thanked them for their efforts, and shared my personal thoughts. That matter is settled. Amrabat has signed with Ajax, and I wish him all the best for his future career. We'll focus on the players we have."

On his future at Betis Sevilla: "That's not my priority right now, so I don't think there will be any impact in that regard."

Übersetzt von KI.

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