Pellegrini warns Betis about strengthened Real Madrid: “We need a complete performance”

Manuel Pellegrini has made no attempt to hide the scale of the challenge awaiting Real Betis. The Chilean coach highlighted Real Madrid’s summer reinforcements and strong start to the season, admitting that his side will need a complete performance at La Cartuja.

Real Madrid will visit Betis on Friday at 9:00 pm CEST for Matchday 4 of LaLiga. José Mourinho’s team have begun the campaign in convincing form, and Pellegrini has taken notice.

The Betis coach openly admitted that his players face one of their most demanding tests of the opening weeks.

“Real Madrid have brought in several players and are in good form. We will need to play a very complete match,” Pellegrini said.

Betis must respond after a painful defeat

Pellegrini’s caution is not based solely on the strength of the opposition. Betis enter the fixture after a damaging 5–0 defeat to Levante, who had not scored a league goal before that match.

The coach is not planning to abandon the footballing identity his team have developed over the past seven seasons. He insists Betis will remain faithful to their usual approach, although playing their normal game may not be enough against this version of Real Madrid.

Mourinho’s side have adapted quickly to the Portuguese coach’s demands. The summer additions have increased competition throughout the squad, while the team have shown intensity and discipline from the opening weeks. Pellegrini knows he is facing a side already moving in a clear direction.

Mourinho refuses to underestimate Betis

The praise from Seville has not made Mourinho complacent. The Real Madrid coach pointed towards the club’s recent difficulties in away matches against Betis and demanded total focus from his players.

“Real Madrid need to be great or they will not win. Betis are a very good team. To win there, you have to be at your best,” Mourinho said.

The two coaches also addressed their difficult relationship from the past. Mourinho admitted that he regrets some of his previous comments about Pellegrini and described the Chilean as an excellent coach and an example as both a professional and a person.

Pellegrini accepted the gesture. He said there is no conflict between them and described Mourinho as more mature and considered than he was during their earlier years in Spanish football.

Betis face the test with important absences

The hosts will be without Giovani Lo Celso, Abde Ezzalzouli, Diego Conde and Aitor Ruibal. Antony has recovered sufficiently from a viral illness to make the squad, while Morante will also be available.

Dani Ceballos will not face his former club. The midfielder recently returned to Betis, but Pellegrini explained that he has spent too long without regular football to be included immediately.

Pellegrini’s words will not give Real Madrid any points before kick-off, but they show how Mourinho’s new team are already viewed by their opponents. Betis see a strengthened squad in good form and know that allowing Madrid to control the game could quickly turn a difficult evening into a very long one.