Lolo Reyes: "I am positive that we will be in the First Division next year"

This afternoon, the press room at the Benito Villamarín Stadium was the stage for a very different press conference compared to the usual format. The reason being that the young Betis fans were playing journalists for a day, putting several questions to Lolo Reyes who thrilled the youngsters by his presence and his answers to all the questions thrown at him. Asked about the start of his career and the possibility of being in the BBVA League next year, the Chilean midfielder responded between stifled laughs.

¿Is there much difference between Spanish and Chilean football?: “There is an enormous difference. Here you have got the best players in the world. It has been a big change for me, but a great one. It has been one of the best experiences of my life”.

Jaime, who plays for Betis and is also a midfielder like Lolo Reyes, asked Reyes for a few tips: “The most important thing is to always try to give your best in each training session and every game, so that you can grwo as a footballer and a person. The most important thing is to be a good person, that is what you leave behind everywhere you go”.

One of the funniest questions of the afternoon came from Pedro. ¿Would you jump off the Triana Bridge if Betis get promoted like Rennella is going to?: “If you jump with me, then yes. Whatever you want, I will do – he laughs-“.

¿Why do you play number 21 and not number 10?: “It was the first number that I played in when I started playing in Huachipato. Once you have become attached to a number and it has been lucky for you, you always try to keep the same one”.

Similarly, Carlos was wondering whether Lolo Reyes has been to La Giralda: “I have never been there, but if you will invite me, let's go – he laughs-“.

¿How long will you stay with Betis?: “I will try to stay as long as possible”.

¿Is it true that you got injured playing with your friends?: “Yes, I can't lie to you. I made a mistake, I should have known better. By arriving here injured I lost out on a lot, but thankfully I have been improving each day”.

¿Were you told the first day that you arrived what a derby match meant?: “Yes, they explained it to me on the first day. The day that I played a derby, I knew that it was one of the most important matches that I had every played in my life. It's a unique experience. I am very happy to have been able to participate in a derby”.

Who did you support when you were a kid?: “I always supported a great team from my country, but I can't say who –he laughs-. Then I supported Huachipato who gave me the opportunity to kick-start my career, so I have great affection for them. It is a team that will always be in my heart”.

Who is your funniest team mate?: “There are lots. This year the group is fantastic and it's always great fun in the dressing room. When we have to be serious, then we are. The atmosphere in the dressing room is great and very united”.

Who is the DJ of the dressing room?: “It's always Rubén Castro or Damien Perquis who put music on before the matches”.

Is Julio Velázquez the perfect coach to get us back into the First Division?: “We are really happy with him as coach and with the work he is doing each day. He is the right person to help us achieve our obective of getting promoted to the First Division”.

What would you have been if you weren't a footballer?: “I've never thought about it. Ever since I was a kid, my dream was to be a football player. Now that my dream has come true, I never think of anything else. I want to keep growing, I am someone who always wants more. I think it's been a good philosophy so far”.

How come you are able to intercept so many balls?: “It's through intuition or the desire to want to help everyone with what they know or can do. My role is to try to intercept as many balls as possible, to help the team walk away with three points”.

Who helped you most before you became professional?: “My father. He is my ídol. He's always been there for me, for every decision that I have taken. He has helped me a lot throughout my life, as have all my family”.

Wil Betis make it into the First Division next year?: “Yes, I am positive that we will be in the First Division next year”.

Anyway, given that a picture is worth a thousand words, if you want to enjoy the whole of this outstanding interview, don't hesitate to watch the video on Betis TV.