Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini has dismissed talks about his team being underdogs coming into the final.
Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini has dismissed the notion that Chelsea are favourites to win the Europa Conference League final, citing his team’s determination and experience. Despite Chelsea’s larger budget, Pellegrini believes both teams have an equal chance of winning.
“It’s very easy for me to say that Chelsea are favourites. Their budget is a little bit more than ours. But I don’t agree with that,” Pellegrini said. “I think that both teams have exactly the same chance to win the game tomorrow. 90 minutes in a game, everyone can win. It depends on the performance of the players.”
Pellegrini also praised loan signing Antony, saying the Manchester United winger is driven by a desire for revenge after being unhappy at Old Trafford. “He wants revenge,” Pellegrini said. “I think he did it the way we know he can do it.”
Pellegrini dismissed Chelsea’s potential excuse of having played a game two days prior, saying that football players must adapt to tight schedules. “I think that in football you cannot give any advantage to your rival,” he said.
“You need to play three days after that game. During the whole season, you always have to play, especially when you play in the Champions League or European games.”
With his team’s confidence and determination, Pellegrini is confident that Betis can cause an upset against Chelsea and claim their first European trophy.
