The Chilean midfielder was speaking to the press in the press room at the Luis del Sol Training Centre at midday today in the week that marks the start of the league. The green-and-whites will face CE Sabadell at 19:00 hours on Sunday, a match which Lolo Reyes described as “the first final of the Liga”. Having recovered from the knee sprain that prevented him from training fully in the first phase of the pre-season, the midfielder stated that he was "in great form for the contest against CE Sabadell".

Xavi retired from the morning training session - how are you feeling?: "It's a shame about Xavi, he's a very important player for us. Physically I feel good. I'm still short of a certain amount of ball work, but I think that I will be on good form for the match against CE Sabadell”.

New contract: “I am very happy. I always said that I wanted to stay here despite us having been relegated to the Second Division. I am really happy”.

Physical condition: “The injury was a shame. I was irresponsible, I accept that. It's something that I have to learn from. Now I feel good. I still need more work with the ball, but I have to keep putting in 100%”.

Do you feel that you are important to Velázquez?: “Everyone in the squad is important for the coach. We just have to show that on the pitch. He has been keeping an eye on me to see how I have been coming along. I am very happy with his style of leadership”.

First match in the Liga Adelante: “We have to work to our full potential out this week in order to prepare for the match as best we can. It's the first final of the Liga and we want to walk away with the three points”.

Do you think more reinforcements are still needed?: “We have great players. If anyone else joins us, they will be well received. Whoever arrives will contribute whatever they can to support the group”.

Would it have been advantageous for Betis if the first fixture had been delayed in the end?: “It's fine that the Liga starts this week. We are preparing for the match really well. The Liga is going to be pretty long, so to delay the start by another week would be worse for everybody”.