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

Isco (born April 21, 1992, in Benalmádena) has regained his best form with Real Betis. The Spanish midfielder has overcome fitness problems and regularly starts under Manuel 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 currently sit third alongside Atlético Madrid. What are your thoughts on the season so far?

Isco said: "The team is in excellent form. Sixteen points from 21 in the league is a very good return that helps us fight for Champions League qualification or climb as high as possible, which is our goal. It was also very important to take three points in our first away Champions League match against a side like Lille. Lille are performing well in their domestic league, and this is an important step for us to advance to the next round."

Q: The league appears to be improving every year with many contenders emerging. What do you think about the intensity of competition in La Liga?

Isco said: "Every season there are very strong teams. Last year Villarreal finished third. We will do everything possible to finish as high as we can, hoping to make the top four and pursue bigger ambitions. We always talk about this in the dressing room. The team wants to achieve it, and we will fight until the end for it."

Q: Following the first victory in the Champions League, what are Betis's European ambitions this season?

Isco said: "As I said in the interview after our first match, we will compete with all our strength. We don't just want to participate in this tournament; we want to prove that we have the ability to advance to the next round. Then we will take it game by game and go as far as possible."

Q: Dani Ceballos returned to the club after nine 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 quality and abilities. Dani Ceballos is the type of player who doesn't shy away from the ball, and we need him. He previously went through a period where he didn't get much playing time. In my case, when I returned to Betis, 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 playing football again, and we will see the Dani Ceballos everyone wants to see."

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

Isco said: "I have said many times that Manuel Pellegrini is a coach who knows me very well, and his philosophy and playing style are perfect for players like me, Dani Ceballos, and Fornals. He always brings out the best in every player, and I think Betis cannot do without Manuel Pellegrini now. He has achieved very important results over six years at the club, taking the team to European competitions every season. Betis's growth over the years would not have been possible without Manuel Pellegrini."

Q: After that serious injury, you have become one of the most important players in the team again. How are you different now compared to the Isco we saw at Sevilla, Madrid, or Málaga? Did the injury force you to rethink things?

Isco said: "Unfortunately, injuries are part of a footballer's life. I have indeed suffered many injuries, and they came very frequently because earlier in my career I barely had any injuries. I learned to appreciate every day more, to enjoy every training session and every minute of play more. The long absence due to injury gives you that perspective. Football moves too quickly, and people often don't stop to feel these small moments, these little details, and that's what makes me happy: everyday life, the chance to play, train, and compete. Now, after long training sessions and hard work in the gym, I see the light again that I really needed."

Q: You chose Skechers as your football boot brand, and Harry Kane also works with this brand. Why did you make this decision?

Isco said: "This opportunity came to me, I tried the products, they sent me the first trial boots, and they perfectly suited my needs. Since then I made the decision, and honestly, I'm very happy with it."

Q: In these special edition boots, you became the first player to represent five different Spanish clubs in the Champions League. What did you feel when you stepped 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 creating these special boots for me, and their colors are the colors of the teams I've played for and of Andalusia. I'm truly very happy."

Q: Spain's national team played their 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. They've proven it since Euro, winning the Nations League and showing perfect football at the World Cup, not conceding a goal while playing the best football I have ever seen at a World Cup. They are deserving European and world champions, and there are still many young players in the team. It's an incredible team, and I hope they don't stop. They make Spanish football proud, and I hope they continue in the same manner."

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

Isco said: "I was in the squad for the last Nations League, but I couldn't maintain consistency due to injury. Anything can happen in football. Spain's national team is very young and talented, and the competition is fierce, especially as I'm getting older, but I'm still here. I will try to play at the highest level for Betis, and I hope to return there; I'm not avoiding it."

Q: Modern football is full of refereeing controversies and Ballon d'Or marketing. Have your injuries, experience, and everything you've been through changed your attitude toward football or your understanding of it?

Isco said: "That's a good question. I think there are a lot of controversies around football, and it's also connected to so many competitions and VAR these days. Of course, there's always room for improvement. Personally, I think there are too many controversies, and everyone is always chasing clicks by asking questions to drive more engagement, which doesn't help players or anyone else. There's a lot of hatred in football that could be 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 let's see how it all develops."

Переведено ИИ.

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