According to Sport, Isco shared in an interview that Real Betis currently cannot do without Pellegrini, while also discussing topics such as injury, the national team, and controversies in football.

Isco (born April 21, 1992 in Benalmádena) has rediscovered his peak form at Real Betis. The Spanish midfielder has overcome physical issues and once again become a regular starter under Pellegrini. Recently, he made history by becoming the first player to represent five different Spanish clubs in the Champions League.

Q: Betis currently has the same points as Atlético Madrid and sits third. What do you think about this season's start?

Isco said: "The team is in very good form. In La Liga, we've earned 16 out of a possible 21 points, which is a very good record and helps us compete for a Champions League place or aim for the highest position possible, which is our goal. Moreover, getting three points away from home against a strong opponent like Lille in our first Champions League match is very important. Lille are performing well domestically, and this is a crucial step for us to advance to the next round."

Q: The league's level seems to improve every year, and there are many Ballon d'Or contenders. What do you think about the competitive intensity of this league?

Isco said: "Every season has very strong teams. Last year, Villarreal finished third. We will try our best to achieve the highest position possible, hoping to finish in the top four and aspiring to bigger objectives. We always talk about this in the dressing room. The team wants to do this, and we will fight for it to the end."

Q: After your first Champions League victory, what are Betis's goals in European competition this season?

Isco said: "I said in the post-match interview after our first game that we will play with maximum effort. We don't want to just participate in this competition; we want to prove that we have what it takes to advance to the next round. From there, we'll take it match by match and go as far as possible."

Q: Ceballos returned to the club after nine years. How do you rate this signing? How important is he to the dressing room and the club?

Isco said: "We all know his quality and ability. Ceballos is a player who doesn't shy away from the ball, and we need him. He's been through a period where he didn't play much. Taking my return to Betis as an example, I went through a similar phase, and now Betis is the best place for him to rediscover his form and feel important again. I believe he will be very important to us, and I also believe he will enjoy football again, and we will once more see the Ceballos everyone wants to see."

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 truly understands me. His philosophy and style of play suit me, Ceballos, and players like Fornals. He always helps all players bring out the best in themselves, and I think Real Betis cannot do without Pellegrini. He has achieved very important results over six years with the club, leading the team to compete in European competitions every year. Betis's development in recent years is inseparable from Pellegrini's contribution."

Q: After such a serious injury, you've become one of the team's most important players again. How are you different now compared to the Isco we saw at Seville, Madrid, or Málaga? Has the injury made you reconsider some things?

Isco said: "Unfortunately, injury is a part of a footballer's life. In fact, I've suffered many injuries, and they came very frequently, because in my earlier career I was hardly injured at all. I've learned to appreciate each day more, and to enjoy each training session and every minute of competition more. Long-term injuries give you that perspective. Football moves so fast, and people often don't stop to appreciate the small moments, the little details, and it's these things that make me happy: everyday life, being able to play, train, and compete. Now, after many training sessions and effort in the gym, I can see the light again, and that's what I really needed."

Q: You've chosen the Skechers sportswear brand, and Harry Kane also collaborates with them. Why did you make this decision?

Isco said: "The opportunity came to me, I tried the product, they sent me the first trial pair, and they completely met my needs. Since then, I made the decision, and to be honest, I'm very satisfied."

Q: With this special edition shoe, you became the first player to represent five different Spanish clubs in the Champions League. How does 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 clubs, Valencia, and Real Madrid, I'm very proud of that. I also want to thank Skechers for making these special shoes for me, and their colors represent the teams I've played for and Andalusia. I'm truly very happy."

Q: The Spanish national team has played its first matches after becoming world champions in this international break. What do you think about this team?

Isco said: "They are a very strong team. Since the European Championship, they've proven this by winning the Nations League title and performing brilliantly at the World Cup, conceding no goals and playing the best football I've ever seen at a World Cup. They deserved to be European and World Champions, and there are many young players in the squad. This is an amazing team, and I hope they don't stop. They make Spanish football proud, and I hope they continue in this way."

Q: With your current form, do you think you have a chance of being called up to De la Fuente's squad?

Isco said: "I was called up to the Nations League squad recently, but I couldn't maintain consistency due to injury. Anything can happen in football. The Spanish national team is very young and talented, and the competition is fierce, especially at my age, but I'm still here. I will do everything I can to perform at my best at Betis, and I hope to return there; I'm not avoiding it."

Q: Modern football is full of controversies about referees and Ballon d'Or marketing. Has your injury, experience, and everything you've been through changed how you view or understand football?

Isco said: "That's a good question. I think there are many controversies surrounding football, and that's also related to too many competitions and VAR nowadays. Of course, there's always room for improvement. Personally, I think there are simply too many controversies, people always chase clicks, ask provocative questions to generate more interaction, and this doesn't help players or anyone. There's a lot of hatred in football that could actually be avoided. But football has become this way gradually. Whether you're a player, referee, media, interviewer, or someone asking questions, there's still so much that could be improved. We can do better, and let's see how all these things develop next."

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