Pellegrini: “It’s impossible to live in Seville and not talk about the derby”

Manuel Pellegrini It is step by step and this Thursday before the Aris Limassol within Benito Villamarin (9pm) is hoping to secure at least third place in the group stage of Europa League, that will allow Real Betis guarantees its continuation in European competition in February 2024, as it will qualify for the Conference. Then comes the derby and the battle for second and first place in the group stage.

“Win at Aris This will be an important step but not decisive. We want to secure the Conference, then qualify and then come first. You have to go game and game. Tomorrow we have to play a good game, get the three points and see what the others are doing,” he said on Wednesday. Manuel Pellegrini in the press conference before this Thursday’s clash with the Cypriot team.

The Betic coach confirmed the defeat of the goalkeeper Rui Silva and the one on the side Reasonlet them ride on Marc Bartra. “Rui Silva was injured until after the break, with a muscle injury. The injury to Sage, with a sprained knee, it may be a little longer, although it is not registered in Europe. Others are available.”

Pellegrini was pleased with the return of Fekir after eight months out: “We are all very happy with the return of Fekir, who is a player who makes a difference. He had to come back, we will see. Giving priority to finding success, to see how many minutes he can play .The importance This is the result and win.Yes Fekir “He can add minutes better,” explained Pellegrini about the French-Algerian’s playing time.

Pellegrini has not escaped the pre-derby atmosphere already experienced in Seville, although there is a European commitment for both teams before: “It is impossible to live in Seville and not talk about the match. But that is from outside, inside we are thinking about tomorrow’s match in Europe, which is a competition that we fight for all year. The derby is not more important than that. On Friday we will join the euphoria and we will try to add three points in a game that we know how important that.”

In this regard, indicate that the Greek central Socrates, not registered for European competition, is certain to make his debut in a derby call-up against Sevilla next Sunday. “I see him very well, he is a player with a very important career. He hasn’t had training in the group for a long time but he has adapted. Physically he has no problem. He is definitely in the squad for Seville and will be with others.”