Real Betis playmaker Nabil Fekir has spoken in an interview with AFP about life under Manuel Pellegrini and playing at this year’s World Cup.
On his relationship with Pellegrini
“I have a very good relationship with him. He shows that he trusts me. I try to repay that trust every weekend on the pitch. We have a relationship of trust. When we see that something is not going well, we tell each other. That allows everything to flow.”
On Betis’ Europa League exit
“I’m not going to lie, it was tough. We were all aware that we didn’t play well at home. We were all very disappointed. And in the second leg, it was difficult to be eliminated like that in the last minute of extra time, after all our efforts. We were dreaming of going through and we saw ourselves going further. But this makes you grow, I’m sure of that.”
On recent contract renewal at Betis
“It’s an ambitious project. They try to keep their best players. It shows the ambition of the club. And I hope that more quality players will come in.”
On receiving most fouls
“I expected that yes. I am a player who likes contact and duels. It’s something I need when I’m on the pitch. I need to feel the opponent. So, by force, when you want to be close to the opponent you risk fouls and friction. It’s not a problem. You adapt. It’s my game. It’s football.”
Returning to the France national team for the 2022 World Cup
“It’s obvious… Every player wants to play in the best competitions and the World Cup is one of the best competitions.”
