16/10/2014 - 01:33

Julio Velázquez spoke to the press in the press room at the Benito Villamarín Stadium after the Copa del Rey match against CD Lugo. The Real Betis Balompié coach was clearly content that his team were through to the next round of the tournament, but he also took the opportunity to comment on other matters arising from the game in relation to the upcoming league game against CD Leganés.

Do you think the team played well?: “Yes. It's the happiest that I have been with the team after a match apart from the second half of the friendly match against ACF Fiorentina because of the consistency we showed, both when we had possession of the ball and when we didn't. I was really pleased with the intensity, the attitude and the commitment We minimised our opponent's possession of the ball and frankly we played really well. We have taken as leap forward with respect to our confidence when we have possession and we were passing the ball more in our rival's half of the pitch. We set up more opportunities compared to the last few matches, but we failed to capitalise on them. We missed opportunities that could have won us the match. I am really happy that we are through to the next round and with the way that we are developing as a team”.

Chants from the crowd: “The public are free to act as they see fit. The Betis fans are exceptional, they deserve my full respect. I respect their attitude at all times. I have to concentrate on my work, which is to train the team as well as possible and that what we practice in the training sessions is brought to the pitch”.

You have said that you are satisfied with the match. Why didn't we win?: “We couldn't capitalise on the opportunities that we set up today. In many respects we have moved forward. Yet again we haven't conceded any goals. With a different structure we have still maintained a solid defence. We have some fresh talent with Dani Ceballos, who played brilliantly. There were many positive aspects to the game. All our rivals deserve full respect. Our plan is always to win. Today we set up sufficient opportunities to win. It's a happy result. We are through to the next round and we have good reasons to be happy. I am content with the performance of the players who aren't regularly in the team, such as Bruno, Dani Giménez and Álex, Molina and Piccini”.

What needs improving?: “In a match like today's, we could have won in the 90 minutes. It's important that the make the most of the opportunities that we create. We have to keep tweaking things, minimising dangerous situations. I like to be optimistic and focus on the fact that we have got through the knockout round. I am looking for permanent improvement”.

Is getting through to the next tank an oxygen boost for you?: “It's a big positive for the players. They deserve it more than anybody. It was more the threat of being kicked out rather than not being able to continue in the Copa del Rey, had it not been for the effort made during the game and the opportunity to stay in the tournament. In a complicated situation, like the penalty shoot-out, my players demonstrated that they know just what to do and that they have outstanding emotional stability”.

We created more opportunities than in previous matches: “Not all our opponents play the same sort of game, and the players are not always the same. In my opinion, the team has demonstarted that they have depth, sacrifice and attitute, which are invaluable assets. We have continued to do what we do well - prevent the opponent from scoring, and we have improved with respect to ball possession. We have worked at it. We have greatly increased the number of goal-scoring chances that we create. It was just a shame that we couldn't capitalise on them”.

Despite getting through to the next round, the fans still weren't happy with the team's performance: “The fans have my full respect. I can only thank them for their encouragement during the 90 minutes. We are always the first who want to see an improvement. Winning games is the way to grow as a team. Apart from that, we will try everything possible to generate improved unity”.

We you unhappy with the team from the physical point of view?: “I consider that we lasted well until the end of the match, including extra time. Some of the CD Lugo also had various physical difficulties. Some of the players in the second half had not had the full pre-match normal warm-up. The physical condition determines the emotional state. We had to play at home, try to play well, please the crowd and get through the knockout round. That causes mental fatigue which can result in muscular issues. The team has fought well throughout the match and we have demanded a lot of them in the phases where we did not have possession of the ball. The physical side of things doesn't worry me”.

When will the team be at its peakl?: “That's impossible to say. It's all about trying to grow, playing well and winning points, which is the main objective. Getting into the top section of the Liga is the most important thing right now. Lots of things improved today and we coped well with various situations that previously we found difficult, particularly when we had possession of the ball. The fact that we gave a young apprentice like Dani Ceballos a chance, even though he is still under 18 and that he played so well, is a terrific reason for the fans to be happy”.

Possible derby between Sevilla FC in the Copa del Rey: “We will have to wait and see, it's not something I would worry about. We will tackle whoever we face to the best of our ability. Right now, we are focussed exclusively on the match against CD Leganés”.