The Real Betis Balompié manager gave a press conference prior to the first leg of the Europa League Round of Sixteen, A match in which Betis will measure up to FC Rubin Kazan. Calderón classified the European dual as a final for his team, and was hopeful of getting through to the next round. Furthermore, the Argentine manager spoke of other topics related to the national competition and recent events affecting the team, especially those at Monday's training session with fierce criticism from the fans.

Condolences on the passing of Antonio Benítez: “I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the family of Antonio Benítez. It is a very sad day. We have lost one of the best players in the Clubs history. He was a personal friend and an idol of mine as a player. I was lucky enough to wear the same number on my shirt as he did”.

Some of the fans are talking about not coming to the stadium: “Every fan is free to do what they want. When I came here 31 years ago, because I wasn't fortunate enough to have been born here, I was taught that being a Betis fan entailed a sentiment of loyalty, which when the team loses or is going through a bad patch responds with the motto ‘Viva el Betis manque pierda’ (Long live Betis, even when losing)”.

The fans' criticism at the training sessions: “It is my decision when to open the doors to the public and I knew what could happen. I wanted the players to face up to the fans. But I believe there is a limit to everything. Insults are not justified. There were seven individuals who spent the whole time insulting the team in an attempt to ruin the training session. Showing discontent is only natural, but spending the whole hour and a half hurling insults was not spontaneous in the least”.

Is there a lack of attitude?: “When you don't win any comment is reasonable. As the person responsible for the team in these last four matches, I have seen the players work, they are committed and want to save the situation. However, later in the matches certain circumstances and individual errors lead to defeat. I am convinced that the team is able to play at another level to what we have seen. After a month here I take full responsibility”.

What can you say to the fans?: “The fans have the right to demand that their team plays at a certain level and gets results. We can only show them our gratitude. We shouldn't generalise based on five individuals who go too far. The UEFA Europa League has been a combined effort of a lot of people. I have heard talk of it coming at a bad time. But for me it is the perfect opportunity for Betis to show what they are capable of. It is a match for everyone, another final. We have to be up to the challenge. We are working to give the fans the joy they deserve, a reason for them to smile once more”.

The starting eleven: “There will be a few changes. The best way for a manager to see what his team is capable of is by watching them compete. There are players who have recently recovered from injury and who have not competed much. These players have an engrained desire to earn a spot on the team. I will make changes but always aimed at getting a victory”.

Preparation for the match: “We know that they changed six important players this winter. We have watched their friendly matches in Marbella. We have studied them well”.

What are your thoughts on FC Rubin Kazan?: “They are going to be a tough team to beat. At this stage in the competition all the teams are well prepared”.

FC Rubin Kazan have put Spanish teams out of the competition: “I don't know why, maybe because they get better every time they play against Spanish teams. That doesn't bother me. Every match the team plays is like a final for me. I don't worry about what has happened before”.

Who are your best players?: “For me they are all my best players. All the 25 players I have can play at any given moment. I am sure we are going to have a very competitive team tomorrow”.

The second leg on artificial turf: “These sort of things are all relative. A lot of things can be said before a match. They were here recently for pre-season preparation, but they are more used to playing on artificial turf. It will be easier for them. We will have to do some sessions on artificial turf for the players to get used to it a little”.

Facilities at the Rubin Stadium: “According to those people from Betis who went to Kazán the conditions at the stadium were not the best for a UEFA match. It was more because of the facilities not the pitch itself, changing rooms etc. UEFA has approved it so we respect the decision of an organisation of that level”.