Pellegrini: “Champions? We have to show our ambition”

Manuel Pellegrini wants to prolong Betis’ state of euphoria after winning a ticket to the Copa del Rey final and places the spotlight on the match against Atlético de Madrid that multiplies its importance in the fight for the Champions zone: “It will be a very difficult game, it is a rival that always fights for the title and for the Champions League. We are now ahead and it is a Champions game. Hopefully we will have a great game” .

absences: “Bellerín, Álex Moreno, Miranda, Rodri, Canales… The rest are fit. Alternatives on the left wing? We’ll see tomorrow.”

Physical tiredness: “It is essential that we are well. We won’t play in the Cup again for a month. We are playing for a place in the Champions League and it would be a great achievement for the club, we have to show our ambition. We will fight at home, there is to leave Thursday behind. The League does allow you to be in the Champions League”.

campus performance: “It was the merit of the players. The entire squad was involved, thanks to that we are still alive in the three competitions. We already have the option of playing in the final of the Cup and the Super Cup. But there are two more competitions now that demand a lot from us” .

Accumulation of matches and injuries: “It’s predictable when you play so many games in a short time. It’s not easy for there to be a mentally fresh team in every game. But you see the players train and trust to start with them. There’s also the joy of continuing in all competitions If we were watching them on TV, the motivation would not be the same.”

Rodri: “He has had different injuries, his ankle was out and now he has discomfort. He is not one hundred percent and that is why we are not going to use him.”

Cup euphoria and atmosphere: “The fans don’t surprise me, I’ve been in Spain for ten years and I know what the Betis fans are. It was essential the other day, it makes us equal to big teams in terms of passion. Now we all have to think about the next game to improve this season” .

Atletico Madrid: “It is not my role to compare squads, but together with Barcelona and Real Madrid they have the best squad. Then come Sevilla and Villarreal. They can bring the players they want”.