The President of Real Betis Balompié appeared before members of the press today at Hacienda Los Parrales, the venue where the Club from Heliopolis has celebrated its traditional Christmas lunch. Miguel Guillen sent a message of reassurance about the delicate situation of Juan Carlos Garrido's team in the standings, while warning that only with unity and hard work to regain lost self-esteem will Betis escape the bottom slot in the "Liga BBVA". Guillén, in a direct and convincing speech, assumed the mistakes that have dragged the team down into the relegation zone, and revealed some of the measures to be adopted to improve the clubs performance in the league.

Bottom of the League: “The first thing to do is recognise the situation we are in and apologise to the fans for not satisfying the hopes that everyone had for a season that everyone was so looking forward to. So far we have done many things wrong, but it is also true that we are working to reverse the situation. We assume the mistakes, we have to take responsibility for them more than ever. I apologize for those mistakes whilst at the same time making it clear that the team needs the support of the fans, support they have always given in the clubs hundred-year history".

Forthcoming final with Almería: “It is truly a final, without a doubt. I hope we are all concious of the fact that the team will need support throughout the match. I can understand and comprehend the anger levelled towards the Presidential box and all of us who make up Real Betis. The most important thing is the match. I know the players very well and how it affects them when they don't get the support of the fans. I would ask everyone to be aware that Betis needs them; Betis is neither Guillén or Lopera or Bosch or Stosic. I appeal for support for our team throughout the 90 minutes, something the Betis fans have always done. After that we will accept the catcalls and criticism for failing to be where we wanted to be at this stage of the season”.

Taken to task: “We are all responsible, each in their own area, for what is happening. But now we have to support the team not go on a witch hunt. The Board of Directors is aware of this and we are focussed on winning this final against Almería”.

Has anyone presented their resignation?: “No they have not, but I don't think it is the right time for anyone to jump ship. The ship is taking on water but we do not want to be like rats abandoning ship. Now is the time to work like never before, to give the first team what they need to save the situation. Having assumed responsibility I would hasten to add that we are just 4 points away from abandoning the relegation zone, we have qualified for the next knockout round of the King's Cup and for the UEFA Europa League Round of 32. It is time to take action, and that is just what the Board of Directors is going to do. In economic terms we will access all available funds respecting the limits that exist on that front. We will come through with the Betis fans. We are nobody without them and it would be impossible to pull through”.

Saturday's match: “We are trying to guarantee a victory. I can guarantee that”.

United with the fans: “It is a complicated situation because we have been in the relegation zone for the last 7 matches and bottom of the table for the last 4. We must support Betis because it's of vital importance. We must give the people who have come to work and help us get out of this situation time to get the results that are in everyone's interests It would be so much easier if we were all united and rowing in the same direction”.

Will there be signings?:“We have been working for some time preparing for possible scenarios such as the one we are in at the moment. Those responsible in the Technical Secretariat will have to decide. The ground work has been done as we have been aware of this situation for some time”.

Sevilla FC has been eliminated from the King's Cup: “What happens to Sevilla in not my problem. I just want to know about Betis, then Betis and then Betis again. We have to correct the mistakes and worry about our problems".

Lopera and Luis Oliver's comments: “The fans know their mind and are grown-ups, they are well aware that difficult circumstances can be taken advantage of for personal benefit. The fans know that disputes that have nothing to do with the current situation of Real Betis Balompié should be put to one side. If the situation continues to be delicate then we will further suffer declarations by characters who wish to use Betis for their own personal gain”.