According to Sport, Isco said in an interview that Real Betis Balompié cannot afford to be without Manuel Pellegrini, and he discussed various topics including his injury recovery, the national team, and current issues in football.

Isco (born 21 April 1992 in Benalmádena) has returned to his best form at Real Betis Balompié. The Spanish midfielder has overcome physical problems and regained his status under the management of Manuel Pellegrini. Recently, he made history by becoming the first player to play in the Champions League for five different Spanish clubs.

Question: Real Betis Balompié is currently third alongside Atlético Madrid. What are your thoughts on this season's start?

Isco said: "The team is in excellent form. In the league, picking up 16 points from 21 is very good, and it helps us aim for the Champions League knockout stages or finish as high as possible, which is our collective goal. Moreover, taking three points away from a strong opponent like Lille in our first Champions League match is very important. Lille are performing well in their league, and this is a crucial step for us in progressing further."

Question: La Liga seems to improve every year and has multiple Ballon d'Or nominees. What do you think about the competition level in this league?

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

Question: After winning your first Champions League match, what are Real Betis Balompié's targets in Europe this season?

Isco said: "I mentioned after the first match that we will compete at full strength. We don't just want to participate in this competition; we want to prove we have the ability to advance to the next round. Then we'll take it match by match and go as far as we can."

Question: Dani Ceballos has returned to the club after nine years away. What do you think of this signing? How important is he to the dressing room and the club?

Isco said: "We all know his level and quality. Dani Ceballos is a player who isn't afraid of the ball, and we wanted him. He's had a period where he perhaps hasn't had much playing time. Speaking from my own experience when I returned to Betis, I went through a similar phase. Now, Real Betis Balompié is the best place for him to play football well again and feel valued. I believe he will be very important for us, and I think he will enjoy football again. I'm sure we'll see the Dani Ceballos everyone wants to see again."

Question: Manuel 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 Manuel Pellegrini is a coach who knows me very well. His philosophy and playing style suit players like me, Dani Ceballos, and Fornals. He always brings out the best in every player. I believe now that Real Betis Balompié cannot do without Manuel Pellegrini. He has been hugely successful during his six years at the club, qualifying for European competition every season. The growth of Real Betis Balompié over the years is inseparable from Manuel Pellegrini's contribution."

Question: After a serious injury, you've returned as one of the team's most important players. What has changed in you compared to the Isco we saw at Sevilla, Madrid, or Málaga? Did the injury make you reconsider things?

Isco said: "Unfortunately, injuries are part of a footballer's life. I suffered several consecutive injuries, which had rarely happened in my career before. I've learned to appreciate every day more, to enjoy every training session and every minute of competition more. Having to spend time away from the pitch gives you this perspective. Football moves so fast, and people often don't stop to appreciate these small moments, these little details. Those are the things that make me happy: daily life, playing, training, and competing. Now, after training hard and putting in effort in the gym, I see the light again, which is what I really wanted."

Question: You chose Skechers football boots, and Harry Kane is also with this brand. Why did you make this decision?

Isco said: "The opportunity came to me. I tried their products—they sent me a pair of trial boots, and they fit my needs perfectly. Then I made the decision, and to be honest, I'm very pleased with them."

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

Isco said: "It's an incredible feeling. It means you must have done something right. Playing in the Champions League for 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. The colors represent the teams I've played for and Andalusia. I'm truly happy."

Question: Spain's national team has played a few 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 Euro, they've proven themselves by winning the Nations League and performing flawlessly at the World Cup without conceding a goal. They've played the best football I've ever seen at a World Cup. They deserved to be European and world champions, and they have many young players in the squad. It's an excellent team, and I hope they don't stop. They make Spanish football proud, and I hope they continue like this."

Question: With your current form, do you think you have a chance of making De la Fuente's squad?

Isco said: "I was called up for the last Nations League squad, but due to injury, I couldn't maintain continuity. Anything can happen in football. Spain's national team is still very young and talented, and competition is fierce, especially as I get older. But I'm still here. I'll try my best to play at my best level for Real Betis Balompié, and I hope to return there. I'm not afraid of that."

Question: Modern football is full of controversy about referees and Ballon d'Or marketing, injuries, experience, and everything you've faced. Has this changed how you view or understand football?

Isco said: "That's a good question. I think there are many controversies about football, and many of them involve competition and VAR nowadays. Of course, there's always room for improvement. Personally, I think there's too much controversy. Everyone is always chasing clicks, asking questions to generate more engagement, which doesn't help players or anyone else. There's a lot of hatred in football that could really be avoided. But football is gradually becoming like today's world, whether it's players, referees, media, commentators, or question-askers. There's still much that can be improved. We can do better, and let's see how all of this develops."

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