Pellegrini’s statements
(Inclusions/exclusion). “Weligton’s return is important for the team, he’s had a long injury and today he’s fit enough to re-appear. Apoño trained normally but a family problem has stopped him being on the list. Ruud (Van Nistelrooy) had an injury on his knee and it’s a little swollen; I hope that it’s not too serious, and the FIFA stoppage is around the corner so he should be right again within the four or five days.”
(Betis’ bad patch). “There’s no real explanation. They began well and now they’re getting anxious to stop this bad patch for their fans. We’re going to meet a very brave Betis out on the pitch. Joaquín? He’s already played many times against Betis, and he’ll leave the sentimental stuff to one side and I hope there’s another great game like the last one at home.”
(Team analysis). “All games are different. The important thing is to improve the figures and the play. In the last 20 or 25 matches they’ve only had one or two header goals from set pieces. We’ve had goals but that’s not a tonic. In this period of the year, people seem more reckless than in other parts of the year, but personally I’m not fond of playing at noon.”
(Anniversary as manager). “The summary is very positive all round. Coming to Málaga is one of the best decisions of my life. We’ve got through those complicated moments of last year, and you grow from that. There’s a quality of life here which is important and we hope that my contract will be extended for another four years.”
(Derby against a needy rival). “The Betis fanbase have always been very strong. They support their team but this won’t influence our players. They’ll be a tough rival that wants to win. Their losing six matches is not normal and I believe they’ve been unlucky and that every team goes through these patches. Now we’re going to see the true Betis, a team with great players who are adapting at beginning in the First Division.”
(Recio / youth). “A manager’s job is to be as objective as possible. Last year Recio showed his level; this year there’s been some strong competition in his position and we all hope that he’ll return the level he was at last year. If they’re here it’s because we need them. Moving forward, we’ll evaluate it, but of they’re here it’s because it’s important that they’re here.”