Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini celebrated his team’s progression to the Conference League final on Thursday, while emphasising that clinching a Champions League spot in LaLiga is his primary focus.
A crucial goal in extra time from Abde Ezzalzouli clinched a 4-3 aggregate victory for Betis over Fiorentina in the second leg of the Conference League semi-final, marking the Seville club’s first appearance in a European final.
“It’s only natural to feel this sense of satisfaction. What truly delight me is witnessing the joy of the Betis supporters. We felt a bit of a responsibility to bring this kind of happiness to them,” Pellegrini stated to reporters.
Next for Pellegrini and Betis is a final clash with Chelsea, but the 71-year-old is adamant that finishing the LaLiga season on a high note is paramount, with his side currently sixth on the table with 57 points, just one point behind Villarreal.
“From tomorrow, we will shift our focus away from the Conference League, as we have four critical league matches left that will determine our Champions League aspirations for the remainder of the season,” he remarked.
“We are thrilled to reach the final, especially against Chelsea, and I sent a message to (manager Enzo) Maresca some time ago expressing my happiness for him.”
For Raffaele Palladino and Fiorentina, the atmosphere was considerably more subdued, as this season’s Conference League continues to present a frustrating experience for the Italian side.
Fiorentina have now reached the last two finals only to be thwarted by late pivotal goals—a distressing trend that has persisted into this season’s semi-final.
“Without a doubt, this is a difficult blow for the team, and it falls to me to guide them through this phase. We’ve encountered other setbacks; this squad is made up of remarkable individuals, and I’m confident they will bounce back quickly,” Palladino told Sky Sport Italia.
“I couldn’t have asked for more from my players; they battled valiantly and showed incredible spirit, throwing every available forward into the fray. There are regrets, but I am proud of their efforts until the very end.”
With three Serie A matches remaining, Fiorentina will make one last push to secure European football for next season, currently sitting eighth with 59 points, four points adrift of Juventus in the final Champions League qualification spot.
“We need to reset ourselves: tonight we may not be able to sleep, but from tomorrow we will concentrate on Venezia (the match on Monday) and conclude the league on a strong note,” Palladino added.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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