Real Betis' Chilean coach, Manuel Pellegrini, confirmed that Antony will be available for the next match against Málaga, while Junior Firpo will remain sidelined. The coach also spoke about the evolution of DaniCeballos and the competition in the midfield, describing it as a solution for the team.
Pellegrini expressed his desire to recover the three points lost during the visit to FC Barcelona and leave behind the difficult week, marked by the suspension of the Copa del Rey match against Navalcarnero. “We need to win and we will go all out from the first minute,” the coach said in a press conference. He stated that Betis arrives well prepared for the match, although he warned that one should not trust too much in a rival who, despite being in last position, “plays well and has good players.”
Regarding the squad, the coach confirmed that JuniorFirpo needs more days of recovery and will not be part of the squad. Antony, for his part, recovered after overcoming a viral process and will be in the team. Pellegrini also mentioned Troy Parrott, who, after being a substitute and having his home robbed, is in a position to return to his usual position. Betis will also have AitorRuibal, who is fully recovered, and CuchoHernández, whose development will be evaluated in the next ten days in preparation for the Cup.
The match against Málaga will have a special meaning for Pellegrini, who fondly remembered his three seasons at the Rosaleda. “They were three unforgettable years in Malaga,” he commented, although he made it clear that the feelings will remain in the past during the match. In addition, he remembered former Malaga players such as Isco, Fornals and DiegoLlorente, and ruled out any desire for revenge for the injury Isco suffered in a friendly against Málaga.
The coach highlighted the progression of DaniCeballos, who, after a long period without competing, is recovering the expected rhythm and will be part of the squad, although his ownership was not confirmed. Pellegrini defended competition in the midfield, calling it “a solution” and stressed the importance of both starters and substitutes maintaining their level.
Finally, the coach outlined the agenda for the next matches: first the duel against Málaga, then the Copa del Rey match against BorussiaDortmund and, finally, the match with Elche. With the squad ready and motivation high, Betis seeks to consolidate its position in the table and advance in the competitions.