The Engineer commented on Wednesday’s loss to the Catalans, highlighting criticism of Raphinha’s 1-0 draw.
Betis fell to Barcelona and lost the option of attacking the Champions League qualifying zone, one of the wishes of the club led by Manuel Pellegrini. After the shock of this Wednesday against the Catalans, the Engineer analyzed the match and echoed the play that led to the first culé goal marked by Raphinha.
“A very equal game which was decided by two set plays. The first one quite conflicted because it was a very clear foul on Aitor (Ruibal) and they didn’t cash it. They make a foul on them and they play it 20 meters further, they surprise us and score the first goal , then a corner. We had two or three chances that with a little more calm, we could have defined better. Balanced game that Barcelona won,” commented the Chilean coach on Movistar+.
So Pellegrini insisted on action: “A rather divisive action, Aitor is missing and he has not been charged. They put the ball 20 yards further than it should have and caught us off guard. I don’t want to focus the defeat only on the referee. It was a balanced game that anyone could win and Barcelona did that.”
Furthermore, coach Betic pointed out that “Defensively, the team has no problems. We are more concerned with ourselves and finishing the chances we have created”. On Abner’s performance as a left-back, replacing Alex Moreno (moved to Aston Villa from England), Pellegrini said: “He’s adapting to Spanish football. By the time he fulfills his role, he needs more forward projection than he is going to acquire.”
Manuel Pellegrini gave a brief review of the first round of the championship. “In general, it seems to me a very good first round, 31 points which allow us to be in European positions. We have the illusion and the ambition of reaching the Champions League,” said the strategist.
Regarding the incorporation of striker Ayoze Pérez, at the closing of the transfer books in the major leagues, Pellegrini indicated that it is “a good incorporation because we have some offensive problems. Juanmi has been injured for four months and we need a replacement. He manages the three positions of the front of attack. I hope he will bring us a lot in the second round.”
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Source: Latercera
I’m Scott Moore, a professional writer and journalist based in the US. I’ve been writing for various publications for over 8 years now, and have been working as an author at athletistic for the past five years. My work has been featured by some of the leading sports websites and magazines across Europe.
