The Catalan fullback was interviewed today by Betis TV after last night's victory against Brighton & Hove Albion FC, the first game of the pre-season. Jordi naturally assumes the challenge of getting the team back into the 'Liga' BBVA. While aware of the pressure reaching their objective involves and that being tipped the favourites by other teams in the league could backfire on Velázquez's team, the defender revealed some of the key areas requiring attention to achieve the coveted promotion.

The first training sessions: "You know full well that in the first few weeks of the preseason you have to get your physical fitness back to where it should be. We are doing a lot of exercises with the ball and the boss is working on getting the intensity he wants. The squad is responding quite well”.

The first preseason match: “We can draw some very positive conclusions. The team played well. Results in the preseason are not important but if you can win, all the better. We were quite a lot better than our rivals”.

Julio Velázquez's demands: “He likes the exercises to be done at full tilt. He tries to get incredible intensity from all the players. It will do us good in the future. With these exercises with the ball and this intensity, the players need that drive we are working on and we are doing quite well”.

Change in the mindset: “When we were relegated there was nothing that could be done; so this preseason, those of us who were already in the team and the new players all have the challenge of getting the team back in the First Division. We have nothing else in mind, we know that it is the Club's main objective. We have returned with a positive mindset and that is why the attitude of the team is superb”.

With the departure of some of your old teammates you could become one of the leaders of the squad: “Those of us who were here last year, we all have to do our bit. I have always considered myself a player who is trying to motivate his teammates, trying to push the other players, but at the same time accepting any comment I might receive from my teammates”.

New signings: “In the end you know almost all of them because you've played against them. They are all very enthusiastic and stoked about being in a great Club. We have all got our minds set on promotion, both those that were here and the new players. The new guys have a healthy attitude and are competitive”.

Staying with the team: “I felt that after what happened last season, having done so poorly all year, that we had to take on the challenge. Betis is one of the great Spanish clubs and we should see the team back in the First Division. For me it was also a challenge knowing that it could be a great year if we are all committed right from the start with our sights set on promotion. The fans had a fixation on two or three players; but as I have always said, when a team is doing well the whole team deserves praise and when they are not doing well the whole team is at fault. It's true that some players might make more mistakes than others but I've always tried to convince the fans and get them to change their minds if that is what they think. I'm still the same player I was, and I hope that everything turns out well this year”.

On a personal level, what are you hoping for next season?: “I have quite a lot of confidence in myself. There will be some matches that work out well and others that don't. In terms of commitment I always give it my all. I have no worries on that issue. I always try to do my best whenever I play. Hopefully I will be able to avoid injury I was very lucky in that respect last season. I would also like to get as many match minutes as possible, that will come with hard work”.

Patience in achieving the team's objective: “If anyone thinks we will be promoted in December, they can get that thought out of their heads. The Second Division is complicated and has been competitive in the last few seasons. The players know that and the boss has also driven it home. We certainly don't believe that it is going to be a walk in the park. We are intelligent and we should take it match by match knowing that when we play at home we must win. The away matches are not going to be easy, the other teams will do everything in their power to beat us. We need to keep calm to accumulate the maximum number of points possible”.

Being favourites: “More than a worry it's a compliment that the other teams respect us more than other clubs. We should take the fact that others consider us as favourites with caution and a level head. In these leagues you can be beaten by the most unexpected teams”.

Castro's renewal: “I know very well what I would do with Rubén. I would do anything it takes to keep him in the team. He is a reference point in the team. There are 24 or 25 players in the team but in the end there's always one that stands out. I love the way he plays and have done for a long time. Since we've returned to work, seeing him train with that goalscoring instinct makes me like him even more. He should stay, no matter what it takes. We have no say in the matter, it's between the Club and him; but it would be great and very important team if he were to stay”.