Riding on the incredible high of winning the Copa del Rey, Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini hopes to continue a similar mentality as the club push for a Champions League spot.
Betis (currently in fifth) can close the gap to fourth-placed Atlético Madrid to just 1 point with a win away at Getafe on Monday night.
Speaking to the press prior to the game, Pellegrini emphasized that the season was far from over. As transcribed by Estadio Deportivo, the Chilean said: “Without a doubt, we cannot deny that it was a special week due to the celebrations and the high, agitated mental state. Little by little, we are returning to normality. Every day of the week we have taken one more step to return to be that competitive Betis from before winning the Copa del Rey. It is a very important achievement, which we enjoy, but it is not the end of the season. The squad is very aware of that.”
Pellegrini stated that while the joys of the Copa win should be enjoyed, the players need to continue with the same mentality that led them to experience it. Only then will they be able to pave the way for further success.
“People have every right to continue celebrating it, but we must be aware that, to celebrate again, we must have the same mentality that we had to get there. I always talk about a path, not just an achievement, which can be achieved.”
The Chilean highlighted the importance of maintaining the intensity throughout the remaining five league games, in order to propel Betis’ top four hunt. “I also say that 2-3 balls can change the result of a game, so we have to re-frame ourselves to be a competitive team again, fighting every ball and playing with the same system that we have put in place week after week. I hope that in this little test of five games, we continue to show that we are a team to fight for important things.”
Betis have their work cut-out in the final five games. In addition to Getafe, Betis will play direct competitors Barcelona, Valencia, Granada and champions Real Madrid.
