Real Betis’ official press conference, shared on the club’s official YouTube channel, gave a clear and emotional insight into how Manuel Pellegrini and his squad are dealing with a difficult moment in the season ahead of their clash with Girona.
The manager spoke openly about the pressure, the recent setbacks, and the importance of staying focused as the team enters what he described as a decisive run of games.
Speaking ahead of the match, Pellegrini did not hide the challenge that awaits his team:
I expect a very difficult match like all league matches, a team like Girona that plays at home, that has been improving, perhaps started with a somewhat doubtful season, but has been recovering its style of play, so like in all matches, especially playing away, we have to play a very complete game if we want to get points.
There was also a strong emotional tone when he addressed the team’s recent struggles, especially after a painful European exit:
The team is emotionally affected of course. It was a very ugly defeat the other day, not because they outplayed us, because that can happen, but because we were winning 2-0 after the first half we played with our fans. Being eliminated like that was a big blow, but football requires the courage to overcome it as soon as possible, just as it requires humility to handle victories. After several bad results, we are still fifth in the league, which shows how competitive the league is. We must hold on to that.
That sense of frustration has been shared by fans as well, especially on social media, where many supporters expressed disappointment but also urged the team to stay strong in the race for European qualification.
Pellegrini also tried to explain the sudden drop in results, admitting that not everything in football can be easily explained:
It is difficult to give an explanation. All matches are different. The other day was incredible how the team changed after a collision between our defenders. In a few minutes we conceded a penalty and a set piece goal. We did not have the capacity to react. It was not a lack of spirit but a moment we could not recover from, even though we were playing well before that.
As attention turns to squad fitness, the coach gave updates on key players:
Ángel is not yet ready to be called up after his shoulder problem. Diego Lorente also has an ankle issue and will not be available. Lo Celso is improving and can play more minutes. Isco is still recovering, training is important for him and we will see if he can get some minutes.
Despite the criticism, Pellegrini stood firm on his approach and refused to publicly criticize his players:
I always do self-criticism, but one thing is doing it privately and another is doing it publicly. It is not the role of a coach to criticize his players or himself in public. These defeats hurt everyone, the players, the staff, and the fans, but we must not destroy everything because of one result.
Across Europe, the pressure to perform remains intense. While Betis fight to stay in the top positions, other clubs continue to set the pace. In Germany, Bayern Munich recently sealed the league title after a strong win over Stuttgart, showing the level of consistency required to dominate a season. Moments like that highlight how fine the margins are between success and disappointment at the highest level.
At the same time, discussions around squad quality continue across top clubs. In Spain, there has been strong backing from figures around Real Madrid, insisting the team already has enough quality and does not need major changes. That kind of confidence is something Pellegrini is also trying to build within his squad during this difficult period.
Back in Seville, the focus remains on finishing the season strong. Pellegrini made it clear that qualification for Europe will define how the campaign is judged:
If we do not qualify for Europe, then it cannot be considered a good season. If we achieve it again, after so many consecutive years, then it shows the work of this squad. We must improve results and maintain our position, that is the objective.
Softfootball believes that Pellegrini’s calm but firm approach could be key in steadying the team during this critical stage, especially as emotions continue to run high among players and fans.
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In the end, the message from the Betis camp is clear. There is pain from recent results, but also belief that the season can still end on a strong note if the team responds in the right way.
