The Real Betis manager, Pepe Mel, held a press conference at the Specialist High Performance Centre "La Cartuja", the same venue in which Betis has presented the new boat for the rowing team. The Betis coach gave his opinions on the start of league, with particular focus on Ruben Castro's injury.

Ruben Castro Operation:"We have to focus on those players who are available and recover the best version of Reuben. After many months in which we have been very concerned about the possibility of our best scorer not getting better, we now see some light at the end of the tunnel. He should be ready in a month and a half. It is best to wait until he is ready and see how he is then. I'm sure he will do well. We trust doctors who have treated him. He is the kind of player who will be back in shape in no time. It would be more prudent to wait until he starts training again".

Will he be ready for the derby?: "I have seven games before that one. The match against Sevilla is still a long way off. We are only training at the moment in preparation for the Elche match, which could put us in the middle of the table if we win, and then if we beat Vitória, we would be well on target for classification for the Europa League. It's hard to think about any matches beyond those".

Is it difficult to quickly regain physical form: "We will have enough time in the next break in the League to evaluate Reuben. The doctors believe that it has been a success and everything has been for the better. We must look to the future. We need everyone. We want him to be fit and I'm sure he will be soon".

Have you considered getting Rennella back?: "Not at the moment. Circumstances in football can change quickly, but it is of little relevance, no one has looked into the possibility. We are awaiting his return, and that when he does he is in the best possible condition to work. Only then will we make any decision that has to be made, but today we have not talked about getting any of the players on loan back".

Start of the League: "The start has been weak compared with previous seasons. Dwelling on the now is all well and good but what matters is what will happen in the months of March and April. It is important to be well placed then. I would ask you to trust in me and the team, we've always delivered. "

Lack of goals: "We were better than Real Madrid and Celta, whether they were games in which we scored or missed our chances. I miss Ruben's share of goals. Jorge is fulfilling its mission perfectly, but we must demand more from other people on the field. If Barca miss Messi when he doesn't play, imagine us when Ruben isn't available".

Does Betis depend on Reuben?: "We have the same dependence Ruben as Atletico has on Diego Costa's goals and Real Madrid on Cristiano's. It would be absurd to say that we don't miss his goals. In any case, there is no concern. Betis is working well, but we still aren't winning the games".

Joan Verdú: "Betis didn't sign Verdú just for the first eight league matches, but to help us throughout the duration of his contract. There is a process involved, just like there has been with all the players that have joined the club. This manager is going to get 150% out of the players he has. The squad is totally committed to the work to be done and have the players to have a good year. There is no need to rush things or to worry”.