Real Betis' Chilean coach, Juan Manuel Pellegrini, has underlined the ambition and commitment of his squad before the club faces FCPorto in the group stage of the Champions League. In a pre-match interview, the coach expressed that the team feels “capable of doing important things” and that their immediate objective is to add three points at home to advance to the next round of the tournament.
Pellegrini recalled the recent break that Betis had in LaLiga and the need to recover strongly. “It was important to come back from such a long break by beating an important rival like Osasuna,” he said, highlighting that the result gave confidence to the group. The coach explained that the plan for the match with Porto is to repeat the attitude he has shown in previous matches: to be committed, intense and with personality, taking advantage of the strength of his squad to manage matches every three days.
The coach also emphasized the demands of European competition. “You must always have the maximum ambition of finishing as high as possible in any competition and the reality that is seen on the field is different,” he stated. According to Pellegrini, Betis must show that their ambition corresponds to football reality, and that the key will be to achieve victory at home to advance to the round of 16 and, if possible, continue progressing in the Champions League.
Regarding physical preparation and the call, the coach confirmed that Antony will be included in the list of those summoned, since "he is fit." He also celebrated the return of Isco and his two goals in the last game, pointing out that the player's evolution is a reason for joy. “I am very happy that he is back and that he scored two goals in the last game,” he added.
Finally, Pellegrini recalled that his daily focus is not based on the past, but on the present: “I don't live on memories and, for me, the most important game is the next one.” Regarding the future of the club, he left the uncertainty open, indicating that “we will see next season where we will be training.” With these comments, the Betis coach sends a clear message to his followers: the team is prepared to face Porto and seek glory in the Champions League.