MADRID, 24 Feb. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The coach of Real Betis, Manuel Pellegrini, was very satisfied after qualifying for the round of 16 of the Europa League and said that “a communion has been created between players and fans due to the style of play” that is reflected in the atmosphere of Benito Villamarín in each game.
“We’re very happy to qualify, it was a difficult game against a ‘Champions’ team that has a huge budget. We knew they were going to come here looking for the game and although we didn’t try to play with the other result, in my head I think we were unconsciously more speculative”, he analyzed after the 0-0 against Zenit.
The Chilean, who highlighted the importance of the 2-3 first leg, described the clash as “even”. “I don’t remember any clear scoring chance for them, or that Rui Silva had to save. They dominated a little more with the ball and then we were better and we had two posts, two corners, and they ended up with those two plays”, he commented in statements to ‘Gol’.
“Of course we had a requirement to maintain these results. Many other times the defensive part is criticized but today the team worked very well as it did in Mallorca. I am very happy with their attitude”, added the engineer, who had planned a possible extension.
When asked about the disallowed goal against the Russians in the 90th minute, Pellegrini recalled that “if they had conceded, there was still extra time.” “If it was a goal, there was extra time and we had everything structured to go to extra time due to the substitutions. We still needed Juanmi and we were well placed for that, but luckily the VAR saw that stomp on Guido on purpose,” he said.
Lastly, the Verdiblanco coach emphasized the support of the fans: “It was a show, he encouraged one hundred percent of what we needed. He didn’t stop for a second and a communion between players and fans has been created in the style of game, people are enjoying it. We’ve had a very difficult road in the three competitions”, he claimed.
“We thank God because we have all enjoyed it and now we wait for this Friday to see which team we get in the draw and to focus on Sunday’s derby. Not only because of the importance of the game, but to continue in positions of ‘ Champions’ and shorten distances with Sevilla”, he concluded.