In his evaluation of the draw with Girona, Manuel Pellegrini admitted that the team lacked “creativity” for most of the first half and praised the opponent’s qualities, but he also compared the amount of chances created by Verdeblancos and Girona players. “We played against a very good team … Good team. They only had one shot on target compared to our 19. We were not sharp in the first 25 minutes, as it was difficult for us to control the ball, but the second half was complete. They took the lead and we had the ability to equalize despite losing two points at home. We lacked more creativity, but the team played a good game.”
He had not seen Antony’s dismissal when he arrived at the press room and for this reason he avoided demonstrating. “I couldn’t pronounce it. I saw that he had no intention of doing an overhead kick. I don’t know if he hits the face. “I have not seen this procedure in detail,” admitted the engineer, who insisted on this controversial procedure, which, in the absence of possible recourse from Betis, leaves the green and white team without the Brazilian in the derby: “Anthony was affected because this happened to him before such an important match and he had no intention of doing it, but there is a refereeing standard and the VAR to decide whether there is a sending off or not.”
Despite the importance of his loss, the coach gives his place to the rest of the team, as he usually does when asked about losses or turnovers: “All players are important and we know their category, but there is a team responsible for completing matches. We must regain these two visiting points in the next match. We will have to do it with those who are 100% ready after Thursday’s match.”
To close this chapter, he was asked about referee Galic Abesteguia, and Isco’s words about his performance and refereeing in the match against Espanyol. “I couldn’t see the play. I don’t think he meant to hit him in the face, but I can’t give my opinion on that. There were differences of opinion in the match with Espanyol. First we have to leave on Thursday with the three points to qualify for the next round in Europe. He added: “On Friday, there will be a medical and physical evaluation, and we will form the best possible 11 players to get the three points in the derby.”
Isco’s return was the brightest news on Sunday in green and white. The Chilean said: “His presence is essential for any team.” It is difficult for any player to regain his maximum level, but I am sure that he will reach it very quickly. “These minutes were good for him. Regarding the renewal of the Malaga player, I consider it well deserved. “It is important. We know what he is capable of and I am very happy for the club because he will continue to deliver what he has given up until this moment. The players are the most important thing. He deserved the renewal and this applause.”
Changing cleats for Lo Celso
Pellegrini intervened in the first half by making a triple substitution to change the dynamics of the match, and Betis lost midway through the first half. “In the first 15-20 minutes we lacked the strength to get the ball back. We were up against an opponent with very skilled players, but the last 20 minutes of the first half left me feeling good. We’ve made changes to get more access. We had three or four players, but more attacking volume was needed and there were players with problems. In the second half, they did not arrive. “We lacked creativity to get more chances,” the engineer said in his analysis. In fact, there were scheduled to be two substitutions in the first half, but Lo Celso “did not feel 100%” and Amrabat took his place. In any case, he explained that the Argentine “is not injured, but he feels uncomfortable and could be injured if we ask.”
Valentin Gomez is establishing himself as a left-back. The Argentine played there again despite the availability of Ricardo and Junior. “I see Valentin as a center back and a winger. He already played there in Argentina. He had two healthy full-backs, but Ricardo played both games for his team and Junior returned from injury. The defense was working well and no changes were needed. He added the goal and is a player who has no problems playing in two positions.
Finally, he was asked about the team’s mood ahead of the derby: “Things are going well, we would have liked to get the three points, but we played against a good team. They scored two goals and we were not creative even though we tried with all our might to win. They lost two points and we have to look for them on the road in the derby, but first we have to focus our minds on the Europa League.”
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