According to Sport, Isco stated in an interview that Real Betis cannot do without Pellegrini, and discussed topics including injuries, the national team, and controversies in football.

Isco (born April 21, 1992, in Benalmádena) has rediscovered his best form at Real Betis. The Spanish midfielder overcame physical problems and regained his starting position under Pellegrini's management. Recently, he made history by becoming the first player to represent five different Spanish clubs in the Champions League.

Q: Real Betis is currently tied for third place with Atlético Madrid. What do you think of the season's start?

Isco said: "The team is in good form. In the league, collecting 16 points from 21 is very good, which helps us fight for a Champions League spot or aim for an even higher position, which is our collective goal. Additionally, winning 3-0 away against a strong opponent like Lille in our first Champions League match was very important. Lille is performing well in their domestic league, and this is an important step for us to advance to the next phase."

Q: The level of the league seems to improve every year, with many Ballon d'Or candidates. What do you think of this league's competitiveness?

Isco said: "Every season there are very strong teams. Last year, Villarreal finished third. We will do our best to reach the highest position possible, hoping to finish in the top four and pursue bigger objectives. We always say this in the dressing room. The team wants to do it, and we'll fight until the end for it."

Q: After the first Champions League victory, what are Real Betis's objectives in European competitions this season?

Isco said: "As I said after the first match, we will compete with all our strength. We don't just want to make up the numbers in this competition; we want to prove we have the capacity to advance to the next phase. After that, we take it game by game and go as far as possible."

Q: Ceballos returned to the team after 9 years. What do you think of this signing? How important is he for the dressing room and the club?

Isco said: "We all know his level and ability. Ceballos is the type of player who doesn't shy away from the ball, and we need him. He went through a period where perhaps he didn't have much playing time. Taking my own return to Betis as an example, I also went through a similar phase, and now Betis is the right place for him to rediscover his football and feel important again. I believe he will be very important for us, and I also believe he will enjoy football again, and we'll see the Ceballos that everyone wants to see again."

Q: Pellegrini's contract runs until June 30, 2027. How important is he to you? Do you want him to stay?

Isco said: "I've said many times that Pellegrini is a coach who knows me very well. His philosophy and style of play suit me perfectly, as well as Ceballos and Fornals. He always brings out the best in all his players, and I think Real Betis cannot do without Pellegrini. He has achieved very important results during his six years at the club, taking the team to European competitions every year. Real Betis's growth in those years would not have been possible without Pellegrini's contribution."

Q: After that serious injury, you've become one of the team's most important players again. How is the current Isco different from the Isco we saw at Seville, Madrid, or Málaga? Did the injury make you rethink things?

Isco said: "Unfortunately, injuries are part of a footballer's life. I've suffered many injuries, and they came very quickly, because before that, in my career, I had barely been injured. I learned to value every day more, to enjoy every training session and every minute on the pitch. Being out for a long time gives you that perspective. The pace of football is very fast, and people often don't stop to appreciate those small moments, small details, and they're what make me happy: the daily routine, being able to play, train, and compete. Now, after lots of training and effort in the gym, I see the light again, which is what I really needed."

Q: You chose Skechers as your football boot brand, and Harry Kane also wears them. Why did you make that decision?

Isco said: "The opportunity came my way, I tested the products, they sent me the first trial boots, and they completely met my needs. From there, I made the decision, and to be honest, I'm very satisfied."

Q: With these special edition boots, you became the first player to represent five different Spanish clubs in the Champions League. How did it feel stepping onto the pitch?

Isco said: "It's a wonderful feeling. It means you must have done something right. Playing in the Champions League with three Andalusian teams, Valencia, and Real Madrid, I'm very proud of that. I also want to thank Skechers for making these special boots for me, and the colors represent the teams I've played for and Andalusia. I'm really very happy."

Q: Spain played its first matches after becoming world champions during this international break. What do you think of this team?

Isco said: "They are a very strong team. Since the European Championship, they've been proving it, winning the Nations League and having a perfect World Cup campaign, going unbeaten, playing the best football I've seen at a World Cup. They are deserved champions of the European Championship and World Cup, and they have many young players in the squad. This is an incredible team, and I hope they don't stop. They make Spanish football proud, and I hope they continue like this."

Q: In your current form, do you think you have a chance of being included in De la Fuente's squad?

Isco said: "I was selected for the last Nations League squad, but I couldn't maintain consistency due to injuries. Anything can happen in football. The Spanish national team is very young and talented, and the competition is fierce, especially since I'm at a certain age, but I'm still here. I'll do my best to play at my best level for Betis, and I hope to return there. I'm not ruling it out."

Q: Modern football is full of refereeing controversies and Ballon d'Or marketing. Have injuries, experience, and everything you've been through changed how you view or understand football?

Isco said: "That's a good question. I think there's a lot of controversy surrounding football, and it's also related to so many competitions and VAR nowadays. Of course, there's always room for improvement. Personally, I think there's a lot of controversy, and everyone is always chasing clicks, asking questions to generate more interaction, which doesn't help players or anyone else. There's a lot of hate in football that could have been avoided. But football has gradually become what it is today. Whether it's players, referees, media, or interviewers and commentators, there's still a lot of room for improvement. We can do better, and we'll see how everything develops from here."

Traduzido por IA.

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