Real Betis head coach, Juan Merino, gave a press conference after the match against Real Sociedad: “We’ve seen two completely different halves for the two teams. In the first we were just defending without pressing up well enough. Real Sociedad had possession and chances and we were too timid with the ball. We were bad in the first half. The second half was different, we finished in good form. And the referee wasn’t very accurate today, but it’s something I don’t want to talk about. The team did enough to tie the score in the end. We were doing well, creating chances and going for the second goal”.

Do you think you were damaged by the referee’s decisions?: “Completely. They are people, they can do mistakes and they were mistaken today against Real Betis.”

First half: “The team was well settled but our pressure was really low. We know how Real Sociedad plays, their full backs go a lot on attack, and they like to have ball possession. We should have pressed them higher in their side of the pitch. We didn’t. And when we stole the ball we lost it in the first pass. When a team has freedom to move the ball, it’s going to end up scoring. I want to play with high pressure on the pitch, on their side if the field and, specially, knowing what to do when having the ball. I know this team can play well with the ball.”

Future: “I always say that I’m not wasting time thinking about if I’m going to stay or not. I’ll give my best until my day comes.”

Team’s self-esteem: “We are not happy with our first half. The second was different, similar to what we saw in the two previous matches. We’ll try for this first half not happen again. We have a negative feeling, but this time is not about attitude."

Substitutions: “We did almost everything well in the second half. I was really pleased with Joaquín, Van Wolfswinkel and Dani Ceballos. They didn’t play in the first half and were among the best in the second. This is a group and everyone adds something. There’s also a player that deserves an explanation from the manager, and it’s Joaquín. I need to explain him the reasons why he is not playing or why he is. There are certain players that deserve respect for all they have done for the Club. And he showed an outstanding behaviour in a difficult moment. I’m very happy with these players.”

Do you think you could have tied?: “If we consider the referee’s mistakes and our attitude, a draw would have been the fairest score. The first half was Real Sociedad’s but the second was ours completely.”