Real Betis head coach Manuel Pellegrini spoke to the media in his pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow’s visit to the Santiago Bernabéu, insisting his side is physically sharp, mentally focused, and ready to compete against Real Madrid in their first match of 2026.
Reflecting on the team’s return from the holiday break, Pellegrini highlighted both the atmosphere within the squad and the intensity of their preparation.
“The group came back in great shape, they’re very motivated, and they’ve pushed themselves hard in all the training sessions this week,” Pellegrini said. “While there’s always a festive atmosphere between Christmas, New Year’s, and Three Kings’ Day, I think they’re very focused on trying to play a really good match, just like we did in the last one against Getafe.”
Acknowledging the difficulty of the task ahead, the Chilean coach nevertheless emphasized Betis’ belief in their own identity.
“We’re going to a tough stadium, against a great team, but we’re confident we can play our game.”
Focus on the Available, Not the Absentees
Pellegrini was asked about the various absences affecting both teams, including Real Madrid’s and Betis’ own, but reiterated a long-held philosophy: success depends on those who take the pitch, not those who are missing.
“When I’ve been asked about the absences we’ve had in so many matches, my answer has always been the same: the important ones are those who are available,” he explained. “Real Madrid has a squad that allows them to compensate for any absence they may have during the season.”
While he acknowledged Kylian Mbappé’s importance as a goalscorer, Pellegrini refused to frame the match around individual names.
“Without a doubt, Mbappé is an important goalscorer for them, but I could add Isco, Amrabat, and Abde to that list. I won’t, because as I’ve said many times, those who are available are the ones best suited to win the game. If we want to go to the Bernabéu and get points, it has to be based on what we are capable of doing on the pitch.”
Lo Celso’s Responsibility and Isco’s Absence
With Isco sidelined following ankle surgery, Pellegrini spoke at length about the increased importance of Giovani Lo Celso and the depth Betis have in midfield.
“Regardless of whether Isco is playing or not, Lo Celso is a very important player for us,” he said. “Isco’s absence, given its extended duration, makes us even more dependent on having Gio in that position.”
The Betis coach also praised Pablo Fornals’ form and expressed confidence in Lo Celso’s physical recovery after recent muscle issues.
“Gio is coming back from a couple of muscle injuries, I see him training better every day, and I’m sure that now that we’re starting to play a lot of matches, he’ll have the opportunity to demonstrate his ability, which is considerable, and the team needs him.”
Isco’s Recovery Process
Pellegrini confirmed that Isco’s return timeline remains uncertain but underlined the player’s professionalism and mental strength during rehabilitation.
“We’ll see about Isco at the end; there are various speculations about how long it will take him to return,” he said. “He’s a very important player for us, but if Isco isn’t there, we have to know how to win without him, as we’ve shown many times.”
The Betis manager added that Isco remains fully engaged with the group on a daily basis.
“He’s coming in every day, he’s doing physical therapy. He’s very mentally mature and has overcome similar situations with great maturity. I’m sure we’ll see him back on the field as soon as possible because he’s personally sparing no effort.”
Praise for Xabi Alonso and the Demands of Real Madrid
Pellegrini also offered thoughtful comments on Xabi Alonso, recalling his own experience managing at Real Madrid and emphasizing the relentless standards required at the club.
“I was fortunate enough to be the manager when we brought Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid,” he said. “With his extensive career as a player, he understands his role. It’s a demanding position that requires winning, scoring goals, and playing attractive football—all three.”
Drawing from personal experience, Pellegrini reflected on the pressures of the job.
“We won a league title with 96 points, at that time Real Madrid’s best points total in its history, but it’s a club that needs more. As a manager, you know you have to give your all every single day.”
Ambition on All Fronts
Finally, Pellegrini outlined Betis’ broader ambitions for the season, while keeping the immediate focus firmly on tomorrow’s challenge.
“The sporting goal is to beat Real Madrid because the next match is the most important,” he said. “Then we also aspire to go as far as possible in all three competitions.”
Highlighting the fine margins in knockout football, Pellegrini stressed the importance of aiming higher each season.
“In four matches, you’re in a Copa del Rey final. We’re still in Europe. You always have to aim higher. What one has always done is important, but it’s much more important to push oneself to surpass it.”
Antony Cleared to Play
Pellegrini closed by confirming that Antony is fit and available after a minor issue earlier in the week.
“He has no major problems. He had a minor discomfort and the medical staff thought it best for him to rest for a day, but since then he has trained every day without any problems and is on the list.”