OPPOSITION VIEW: BETIS

Ahead of our friendly against one half of last season's Europa Conference League Final, Real Betis, we spoke with some Betis fans to get a roundup on how last season went, and how they're looking forward to next year.

Real Betis finished 6th in La Liga last season, a slight improvement on the season prior, how would you review the campaign?

Betis had a very irregular first round, losing against teams like Valladolid and leaving points against Las Palmas (recently relegated). In the second part of the season, with hires like Cucho and, above all, a superstar like Antony, the team managed to reach one of its highest levels of play, in which, at times, it was on the verge of getting a place in the Champions League the following season.

At the end of the season, this option faded, as teams like Villarreal (who were only competing in one competition at the time) began to win more games. The key match was Betis 1-2 Villarreal; Almost all the chances of qualifying for the Champions League disappeared there.

Even so, Real Betis achieves its fifth consecutive campaign in Europe, a historic milestone for the club.

You also made it to the final of the Conference League but were defeated by Chelsea, how much of a disappointment was that and do you consider it an achievement to get to a European final?

Yes, it really was an achievement, as it was the first European final for the club. I was not disappointed, but sad, but very proud of all my players, who gave everything against a great Chelsea. We have all seen the millions Chelsea spend on transfers; The equipment they have is outrageous.

Unfortunately, we had to face them in the final. I think this is a minor league for them and they should have been in the Champions League, but well, it was bad luck for us.

Everyone knows the Betis fans. We stay and support the team in the good times, and especially on occasions like this, that is when we show the most with our pride: "Long live Betis until they lose!"

How has your transfer window been going and what positions do you still need to strengthen in?

The transfer market is going really well. We sold two important pieces, but for a good amount of money (+€50 M), which has helped us complete, so far, eight signings (we are the team that has signed the most in LaLiga). We have improved in positions such as goal and left back. Currently, we have signed Deossa, one of the most outstanding players in the Club World Cup.

Our dream and the icing on the cake for this transfer market is to be able to incorporate Antony. It really is a signing that we need; We all miss Antonio de Triana, that's how we Betics know him.

Regarding the positions that still need to be reinforced, we are missing a pivot, a right winger and a center forward.

How do you think you’ll fare next season, can you go one better and qualify for the Champions League and can you win a trophy?

All the fans, leaders and players are left with the thorn in the side of not having qualified for the Champions League and of not having won the Conference. I think this year could be the year of Real Betis. I fully trust our leaders, players and coaching staff. I think we can win the Europa League.

What do you think is the main difference in the play style of English and Spanish top flight teams?

I think the difference is that, in the Premier League, a physical plus is needed; That's what I really think about the difference. I also think that, in LaLiga, the best players in the world have played and play. It's my humble opinion.

Who is your best player?

Our best player, without a doubt, is Mago Isco Alarcón. He is a top level footballer; He could be a starter on any team in the world. Thanks to his great performance at Betis, he has managed to return to the Spanish National Team.

What are your thoughts on manager Manuel Pellegrini?

Manuel Pellegrini is... I have no words to describe him. For me, he is the best coach in our history. It made us change our mentality, be more ambitious, and that has led us to achieve things like the Copa del Rey title or, as I mentioned before, achieving five consecutive qualifications for European competitions, a milestone in the club's history.

I'm sure this year will be a great year. Manuel is the best we have, and I sincerely hope that he retires at Real Betis. It's the best.

Finally, score prediction?

1-2 for Real Betis

I hope you have a great season on your return to the Premier League, friends. Thanks for having me. A hug from the city of Betis!