Pellegrini: “Football is never under control”

“Football is never under control,” Manuel Pellegrini said after Real Betis beat Osasuna. Pleased with his team’s performance, the coach nevertheless stressed that a match remains open until the final whistle. Betis went two goals ahead, Osasuna worked its way back into the contest, and Pellegrini’s side eventually won with five goals.

The coach felt his team had produced “a very good, complete performance”. He pointed out in particular that Osasuna had posed little threat to Betis in the first half. But, in his view, the control his side showed did not make it safe: individual moments can change the course of a game, even when one team is dominating.

Pellegrini also acknowledged a defensive mistake on the first opposing goal that brought Osasuna back into the contest. The Navarrese side’s second goal, making it 3-2, then increased the uncertainty. Betis, however, recovered its attacking threat and finished the match with five goals. The coach also defended the officiating on the move leading to the fourth goal, which Osasuna had questioned. After watching the incident again, he called it “a hand movement to try to push him away” and concluded: “I didn’t think the referee made a mistake.”

Despite his team’s strong form and the possibility of challenging for fourth place, Pellegrini would not set a long-term target. Betis are competing in three competitions, he recalled, and must focus on each fixture. “The only objective we should have is to try to win here on Wednesday in the Champions League,” he said.

He also expressed his happiness for a Málaga player who had endured a difficult period because of injuries. Pellegrini praised his quality and maturity and said he still had plenty of room to improve. In his view, working alongside experienced players such as Isco, Lo Celso and Fornals can help him develop.