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

Real Betis manager Pellegrini held a press conference at the Luis del Sol Sports City media room this afternoon ahead of Matchday 4 of La Liga against Real Madrid tomorrow at the Estadio Benito Villamarín. He discussed how the team will approach the fixture and also commented on the transfer market, which closed last Tuesday, reiterating that he still believes the team needs a defensive midfielder.

On how the team is preparing for the match: "Like all teams at the start of the season, we're finding our rhythm match by match. We've played three games—the first two were quite good, and the last one was very poor. The team's form fluctuates, which is normal. We hope to play well in the upcoming match and recover our initial standard at home."

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

On having only two defensive midfielders in the squad: "You should make those analyses yourselves. This week I'll try different options, see what happens in the match, and test different positions. Everyone knows each player's characteristics and their ability to build a team. So we'll continue to observe whether they can play together, whether schedules are congested, whether anyone gets injured—these factors will always determine the ideal lineup for each match."

On whether Ceballos can make a quality difference: "Last week I said what we need. I think Ceballos's career at Real Betis has proven he's a quality player who can help us in this position. We'll have many different options, and without a doubt, he'll be an excellent addition to the team. As for other analyses, set those aside. If you're asking me about Ceballos, he'll definitely be an important option."

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

On disagreements with the sporting directors: "Everyone has the right to express their opinion, and everyone has different viewpoints. I won't publicly analyse any internal comparisons that might exist at the club."

On his rivalry with Mourinho: "Mourinho and I have known each other for many years and have had many encounters on the pitch. Long ago, there was a verbal dispute between us, but that's long since passed. People can say what they want. I was very happy at Málaga, and it was one of the best decisions I made in my career, so there's no conflict between us. Perhaps the media want to create one. We've faced each other many times: sometimes I won, sometimes I lost. I've always had a good view of him as a coach, and I think he's much more mature now than he was a few years ago and speaks more reasonably."

On Pablo García's departure: "There are several controversial aspects to Pablo García's exit. First, I spoke with him about a month ago, roughly three weeks ago, and I told him he should stay with the team because he's an important player, but he still needs to mature, continue developing, and has a very promising future. Second, he wanted to leave; in recent weeks, he sought opportunities to depart and contacted relevant people, hoping to be sold. Third, I think he may have been emotionally affected by leaving Real Betis after so many years."

On tomorrow's opponent, Real Madrid: "This will be a very difficult match, as is always the case against top teams, whether Real Madrid, Barcelona, or Atlético Madrid. Real Madrid have signed many players this year and are in good form, and they have players who can break down a defensive block. If we want to get points, we have to play a very complete match."

On other absentees: "Giovani Lo Celso and Abde are not in the squad for tomorrow. Giovani is almost ready and has joined nearly all team training sessions. As you mentioned, Abde has flu symptoms today, so he can't be there, and we hope both will be available next week."

On Antony and other absences: "Diego Conde and Aitor are out with previous injuries. Antony also had a virus with fever and flu symptoms a few days ago, but he's trained normally for three consecutive days, so he'll be in the squad tomorrow. As for the others, only Lozada is excluded from the 23-man squad, and Ceballos has just begun integrating with the team."

On overlapping positions: "You all should know my view. If not, I've said it before: we still need an attacking midfielder, a striker, a goalkeeper, and a winger. Then you can ask whether the current squad is sufficient. If I say we still lack a player and that player hasn't arrived, I maintain that view. Other positions have two-player configurations, like in previous years, so there's no major issue."

On how he views Ceballos's role: "I don't think this will cause any limitations. As you mentioned, both players are very versatile. Ceballos has played as a playmaker, alongside the defensive midfielder, and on the wing. Pablo Fornals can also play in these positions. Their characteristics aren't limited to one position—they can perform across different roles."

On Iker Losada's decision to stay: "I don't have any specific opinion on that. For me, the squad is the squad, and I'll decide which player is in the best form for each match. My job isn't to push players out; it's to do my best to coach them well and keep them ready. These players were also signed not long ago. From that perspective, I think Losada knows my opinion. His position is difficult because he has Isco, Lo Celso, Ceballos, and Fornals ahead of him, but it's ultimately the player's decision. My task is to work with them, whether they're the strongest, weakest, most expensive, or cheapest players—to me, they're all the same, and the demands are the same."

On fan disappointment with the transfer market: "I understand that football is full of passion, not pure logic. Real Betis fans have that passion, and of course, everyone wants a stronger squad. We also need to recognise that expectations will be higher. Champions League matches will bring many disappointments and difficult moments, but I think this team has always responded well over the years. We've also had years where we sold more than we bought, but the club has always known how to bounce back. Now we're facing a higher level because of the Champions League. Of course, fans are very hopeful, but I believe that Real Betis fans will ultimately support the team, and our players will try their hardest in every match to please them."

On whether he can guarantee the team will bounce back: "I can't predict the future. However, I can tell you that anything can happen in football results, which is why this sport is so popular. We played very well in the first two matches, the opposition didn't score, and they didn't score in the pre-season either. Levante hadn't scored before, but they scored five against us, and we conceded five. That's football—every day is different. I always tell the players: after a win, you have 24 hours to celebrate; after a loss, you have 24 hours to digest the disappointment. The next match is completely different, and we'll continue with the same basic spirit as we have for the last seven seasons."

On De Osa's conversation with teammates: "I said I wouldn't intervene in whether players accept offers or leave. Nelson De Osa spoke about a different matter yesterday, nothing to do with himself—it was a personal issue he wanted the whole team to know about. It's not related to football, just an off-pitch matter with no major significance or 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 train at nearly 100%. So yes, he's been called up."

On the European squad list and Amrabat's situation: "Regarding the list, this is the current list—nothing else. As for Amrabat, I always keep in touch with all players who leave, thank them for their efforts, and share my personal views. That matter is closed. Amrabat has signed with Ajax, and I wish him all the best in his future career; we'll focus on the players we have."

On his future at Real Betis: "That's not a priority for me right now, so I don't think there will be any impact on that matter."

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