The new president of Real Betis, Manuel Domínguez Platas, appeared before the media in the press room at the Benito Villamarín Stadium this afternoon. He was joined by Fernando Casas, taking over in the position of Vice President Pablo Gómez Falcón, who submitted his resignation at the Extraordinary General Meeting held yesterday at the Silken Al-Andalus Hotel. After his presentation, Manuel Domínguez Platas answered questions.

First day as president of Real Betis: "I have accepted the position with the greatest of enthusiasm. The only problem with being president is that the responsibility is somewhat overwhelming, but the excitement and honour are very great. I have been a director since January this year, but it's not true that it was then that I first came to the Club. I'm one of the first survivors of the first group of December 2010. I was not a Board member from a strictly legal point of view, but I've lived all the Boards ups and downs from the outset. My work as secretary was especially focused on the meeting of creditors. It was a very intense time. Without being on the Board it was the time when my dedication to Betis was most intense. So it is not true that I have been here just two months but it has been already going on for almost 4 years".

Will you continue in the same line?: "Time will tell if it is going to be more of the same or not. We do not know yet if I will be able to put a different stamp on things compared to what has been seen so far. The scenario in which the current Board moves will be the same. We are intervened and there were difficult economic problems that have been overcome. The situation constrains the options we have to manoeuvre in this scenario. Within these limitations, there are circumstances that may make us try to demonstrate that there will not be more of the same. The economic problems are the same, but there have also been changes that may have a bearing on the possibility of giving an impression other than absolute continuity. Five directors are to continue and three new ones. The receiver has changed. I would like to take the opportunity to highlight the overwhelming and overpowering personality José Antonio Bosch had, a person I have to thank for all he has done for Betis. He had a character that had nothing to do with Francisco Estepa. That may be a determining factor that means that it is not just more of the same as some of the media are claiming".

How long will you be in the presidency?: "Since Betis was intervened the two presidents who preceded me had an expiry date, but no one knew when. We know the position in this Club is of a temporary nature. I came for three months and I've been here four years now. During the time we are here we will make decisions that have to be taken as if it were to last a lifetime. If we get it into our minds that we are here temporarily, our pulse will shake when it comes to doing anything, which at times will be tough unpleasant decisions or financially significant. You have to be mentally prepared for the fact that we are going to work as if our lives depended on it, subject to the dictates of the judicial authorities. As Francisco Estepa has already mentioned there will be a progressive renewal of the Board. In principle, it could be at the end of this season, depending on the circumstances, the renovation of the Board will continue and even the figure of president, because others may come who are not weighed down with four year's worth of baggage and who bring renewed enthusiasm".

Renovation of the Board at the end of the season: "I prefer not to mention the possibility of the team's relegation. The team is alive and we are convinced that they will pull it off. The renovation of the Board is going to happen in any case because it very wearing on the members and we understand that it is beneficial for other people to come with new dreams and ideas. There are many Betis fans who can do infinitely better than us, or at least try. It is Francisco Estepa's idea that this renovation should be progressive and not be complete as it could have been in the General Meeting yesterday. The renovation will be ordered, depending on the contacts Francisco Estepa has. We are presenting people from related circles to him, who we believe could have a contribution and he is trying to meet more people. Depending on the possibilities and the people are willing to step forward maybe the Board will decide that someone else can better serve Betis. I would be happy to give the baton to someone who comes with renewed vigour and drive to serve the institution, that is as it should be".

When did you know you would be President?:  “Last night we knew that sitting at the table was the outgoing and incoming president, but there were formalities to be fulfilled. We thought it was not the time to announce the name of the president and vice president. The initial idea was to do so in a Board meeting after the General Meeting but it was extended too. It was already decided. The president is elected by the Board of Directors. Before the General Meeting the Board, in the knowledge of who was going and the offices that need to be filled were already talking about who the new president could be. I was offered the possibility. I hesitated, somewhat intimidated by the responsibility and burden of being the President of Real Betis, especially as I was succeeding Rafael Gordillo and Miguel Guillén. I think I can serve Real Betis well. I've taken a step further so that the situation Betis is in is maintained and does not deteriorate prior to any decision by the courts".

Do you think there is division amongst the Betis supporters?: “There is no instability in the Betis, neither do I believe that there is division. Opinions are divided within the friendship that unites us, everyone is rowing in the same direction according to their own criteria. What happened yesterday at the General Meeting is not really significant. I do not think there are so many differences amongst the Betis supporters as they say. The institution does not tremble nor is there any insecurity. Betis is the conglomerate of so many people that not even General Meeting is representative of Betis. What happened yesterday was the most was the most unfortunate General Meeting ever, but it does not mean that there are significant differences that endanger the institution".