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

Isco (born 21 April 1992 in Benalmádena) has rediscovered his best form at Real Betis. The Spanish midfielder has overcome physical problems and returned to being a regular starter under Pellegrini. He recently made history by becoming the first player to represent five different Spanish clubs in the Champions League.

Q: Real Betis currently has the same points as Atlético Madrid and sits in third place. What's your assessment of this season's start?

Isco said: "The team is in outstanding form. In the league, collecting 16 points from 21 is an excellent return that puts us in position to qualify for the Champions League or even chase higher finishes, which is our goal. Additionally, it was crucial to pick up three points in our first away Champions League match against a strong opponent like Lille. Lille are performing well in their domestic league, and this was an important step for us to advance to the next stage."

Q: The quality of the league seems to increase every year, with so many Ballon d'Or candidates emerging. What are your thoughts on the competitive intensity?

Isco said: "Every season has very strong teams. Last year, Villarreal finished third. We'll do everything we can to secure the highest position possible. We hope to finish in the top four and dream of achieving 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 winning your first Champions League match, what are Real Betis's objectives in Europe this season?

Isco said: "As I said in the interview after the first match, we'll compete with all our strength. We don't want to just participate in this competition; we want to prove that we have the ability to advance to the next stage. Then we'll take it one match at a time and go as far as we can."

Q: Ceballos has returned to the club after 9 years. How do you rate this signing? How important is he to the dressing room and the club?

Isco said: "We all know his level and quality. Ceballos is the type of player who doesn't get nervous on the ball; we need that. He went through a period where he wasn't playing much. Using my own return to Betis as an example, I went through a similar phase, and now Real Betis is the best place for him to rediscover his football and feel important again. I'm confident he'll be very important for us, and I'm also sure he'll enjoy playing again. We'll see the Ceballos everyone wants to see again."

Q: Pellegrini's contract runs until 30 June 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 playing style are perfect for players like me, Ceballos, and Fornals. He always brings out the best in all his players, and I think Real Betis cannot function without Pellegrini now. He's achieved very important results during his six years at the club, leading the team to European competition every year. Real Betis's growth over these years is inseparable from Pellegrini's contribution."

Q: After such a serious injury, you've become one of the team's key players again. How is the current you different from the Isco we saw at Sevilla, Madrid, or Málaga? Did the injury make you reconsider some things?

Isco said: "Unfortunately, injury is part of a footballer's life. I've suffered many injuries, and they came very frequently, which was unusual for me early in my career when I barely got injured. I've learned to appreciate each day more, to enjoy every training session and every minute on the pitch. Long absences due to injury give you that perspective. Football moves at such a fast pace that people often don't stop to feel those small moments, those details, and that's what makes me happy: daily life, being able to play, train, and compete. Now, after a lot of training and hard work in the gym, I see the light again, which I really needed."

Q: You've chosen Skechers as your football boot brand, and Harry Kane is also with Skechers. Why did you make that decision?

Isco said: "The opportunity came to me, I tried the product, they sent me the first test boots, and they fit my needs perfectly. From that moment, I made my decision, and honestly, I'm very satisfied."

Q: With this special edition boot, you've become the first player to represent five different Spanish clubs in the Champions League. How does that feel when you step onto the pitch?

Isco said: "It feels fantastic. 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 creating these special boots for me, and the colors represent both the team I play for and Andalusia. I'm truly very happy about it."

Q: Spain's national team has played some of their first matches since becoming world champions during this international break. What are your thoughts on the team?

Isco said: "They're a very strong team. They've proven it since the European Championship, winning the Nations League, and performing perfectly at the World Cup without conceding a single goal, playing the best football I've seen in a World Cup. They're worthy champions at the European Championship and World Cup, and there are many young players in the squad. It's an incredible team, and I hope they don't stop. They've made Spanish football proud, and I hope they continue like this."

Q: Given 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 recent Nations League squad, but I couldn't maintain continuity because of injury. Anything can happen in football. The Spanish team is very young and talented, and the competition is fierce, especially given my age, but I'm still here. I'll do my best to perform at my highest level at Real Betis, and I hope to return there. I'm not running away from it."

Q: Football today is full of refereeing controversies and Ballon d'Or marketing. Has your injury, experience, and everything you've been through changed the way you see or understand football?

Isco said: "That's a good question. I think there are many controversies surrounding football, and it's also linked to the number of competitions and VAR now. Of course, there's always room for improvement. Personally, I think there are too many controversies. Everyone is always chasing clicks, asking questions designed to generate more engagement, and this doesn't help players or anyone. There's a lot of unnecessary hatred in football that could be avoided. But football has become this way step by step. Whether it's players, referees, media, or commentators and analysts, there's still a lot that could be improved. We can do better, and let's see how all this develops going forward."

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