Velázquez: "I am really proud of the players"

"The manager is not the main thing, it's the team and winning despite the situation we were in", stated the Real Betis manager

The Real Betis Balompié appeared before members of the press after the match against RC Recreativo de Huelva (3-2). Obviously happy with the result and the performance of his players on the day, the manager from Valladolid answered questions on a variety of issues highlighting the important boost to morale this victory represents in terms of the forthcoming fixtures in the league.

Do you think you have saved your job today?: “I spoke about that in the press conference before the match. The manager is not the main thing, it's the team and winning despite the situation we were in. We needed to win and we did. I am really pleased with and proud of my players. They have shown commitment and savoir-faire. We are not talking about a match point, but that the team needed to win, and at home. We should be satisfied”.

The team has improved today when they are in possession of the ball: “It is true that in recent matches in the phases that we were not in possession of the ball we had balance. We were not comfortable with the ball and the plays did not flow. Today we enjoyed possession of the ball more and there was more fluidity. In addition to the result, I think we had the chance to score two or three more goals. That was an area that was causing us problems and today we have moved forward. We should keep this up and have more arms to generate more situations in which we are superior. It is all about having fun on the pitch. If we attack in an ordered way, we will be in a position to defend coherently”.

In the first half there were some jeers from the crowd: “I focus on things I can control, and that is the week of preparation and unity of the team, believing in what they are doing. We are trying to achieve a state of total empathy between the team and technical staff. I respect all the opinions that the press or the fans might have. It all boils down to working well and step by step convincing people with our game and results. I am very happy here at Betis, and with the team. We have a great opportunity to do something wonderful. I am totally convinced that we will be promoted. We have to continue working, and respecting everyone's opinions”.

What happened with José Luis Oltra at the end of the match?: “It was the result of things that had happened before. On television it looked much worse than it really was. He is one of the managers I have most contact with on a personal level. I wish him all the best in the world. We were able to talk later. He is a great professional and he deserves my respect”.

Why did Kadir take the second penalty?: “We always have designated penalty and freekick takers. It was a matter of trust between the players. I congratulated both of them, as I did with all the players, but I did not talk about it with them. Whilst there are designated players, there is always the case that a player is confident and wanting to take the penalty, I see no wrong in that. They are both great players, with great skills, so it is not a problem”.

Do you prefer open matches like the one today or other matches in which it is importnant not to concede goals?: “I prefer to win above anything else. If the team is playing well and the players are having fun and entertaining the fans the that is much better. If we have more matches, open like the one today, in which we create scoring opportunities and we score with balance between attacking and defending, that would be great. If the player enjoys himself, the fans will too”.

What is your plan with Dani Ceballos?: “A plan based on complete normality. We are never going to give anything away or give out medals willy-nilly. I could spend time giving players the chance to debut, but I don't see the point in that. We are looking for immediate results. We are not going to close the doors on any reserve team player, or even in the Honour Division, who is truly able to bring something to the team straight away. Dani has been battering at the door. He is able to play in the first team. If he has to be in the stands, on the bench, or playing 15 matches with the reserves, he will do so. If we consider it opportune for him to be a starter in the first team then he will. I think he is a great player, he is an ambitious lad and is totally committed to the Club. We should be cautious and not go crazy over him. He is still an under 18 player and has to continue his development, but he is progressing really well”.

Why did players like N’Diaye or Jorge Molina play?: “We fielded the players who were ready. We have x number of players in the squad. The implication of all the players is total. They all want to bring something to the team. In each match we field the players we are going to give the best performance. All the players deserve the same respect. Preconceived ideas is something else. The situation is very simple. All the players are able to bring something to the team. It is good news that players who are not always on the team do so from time to time. If we consider a player is ready to be fielded then we will give them that chance, no matter who they are”.