Pellegrini: “The semester gives me great pleasure”

Manuel Pellegrini positively appreciate the classification of Real Betis for the playoffs Conference League and does not want to delve into the fact that there is another purpose the Chelsea or to Vitoria de Guimarães should the round of 16 be reached. “The team spent 90 minutes trying to make a difference and we had chances, but we didn’t make them. It is not because of intensity and desire, although there is a lack of pause, quality and precision. Because of the characteristics of the players, we missed that rest and football. We want to get there quickly, directly. It was important to do the second to achieve peace of mind, although the tension was maintained from the first to the last minute. “However, we managed to qualify.”

Pellegrini gave Betis a good mark in the Conferencedespite finishing 15th in the League stage when he was one of the top three favourites: “I’d give him more than a thumbs up. I cannot separate the Conference from LaLiga and Copa del Rey. We had eight or nine injuries, many from the reserve team… and in three competitions. We continue with two short ones. The semester gives me pleasure.”

Betis faced Helsinki without Lo Celso, Fornals -injured-, Isco or Iker Losada -not registered-. “As I say, the qualities of the players are very important. I would have liked to have more football, but we don’t have that kind of player with the accuracy and vision of the game on the field. We play forward and with intensity. In that sense, we did well, but on the ball we lacked the skill to do damage. “It’s a very direct team with a lot of attitude and little precision.”

The Betic coach, finally, positively appreciates the fact of playing the second leg of the playoff at home. “It is important that the tie was decided in our field. The goal was to qualify and we achieved it,” concluded the Chilean.