Real Betis head coach has given a press conference today to analyse the fixture against RCD Espanyol. Juan Merino has outlined the positive evolution of the team in the last weeks and the need of getting a victory to increase the distance with the relegation zone.

Many players with gastroenteritis in Espanyol: “We’ve prepared the match in the same way, thinking that the match is going to be played. We know that the players who are sick are getting recovered, there are no doubts.  We knew all the time that the game was going to be played.”

Could the rival be physically weaker due to this?: “We need to be 100 % ready if we want to win. We are in a battle with many teams. Espanyol is not going to feel the difference, the symptoms of this illness go away after two days. I think we are going to face the best possible Espanyol’s version, as they have won two matches in a row. For any team in this zone of the table is very important to win two matches in a row.”

Importance of getting a victory: “A manager always wants to win. If you win, draw or lose, there are certain feelings linked to those results that are very important. This division is very difficult, all the teams fighting to avoid relegation are really even. The team has fewer points than it deserves. The calendar is tight, but I see my team doing all right. I watch games every week and I see teams that are not as good as we are.”

A week with two crucial games: “As professionals, we need to fight till the end to reach a comfortable position. The team shouldn’t give up even if we reach our target. Winning in Barcelona would give us some calm, as we would be closer to escape this danger zone. There are also some other teams that were up there and now we can get close to them. Winning every match is extremely important because is every team struggles to get a victory.”

Westermann: “Today it’s been the first day he’s trained with the team, his progression is really good. He has an injury that affects when he kicks the ball.”

Van der Vaart: “Of course he’s not discarded. I respect all my players, I’m never going to think one is useless. Van der Vaart is another player of the team. His behaviour is great and he’s a great professional, but I’m the one who decides. There are other players who are also out of the list. I just see that are other teammates in his position who are in better form.”

Green and pink jersey for the match on Sunday: “We welcome every measure done for the Club’s and women’s sake.”