Happy with the first victory of the season Pepe Mel responded to questions from the press after the match between Real Betis and Valencia CF. The Betis manager gave his observations on some of the players in the match, like Vadillo or Salva Sevilla, who put in a brilliant performances against Valencia CF (nicknamed the Ches). The green-and-white manager also gave his thoughts on the upcoming match against Olympique de Lyon; but highlighted the importance of maintaining full concentration on the national league.

First league victory: “You always need to win, that’s always good and there is no downside. It’s not fair that we only have 4 points on the table so far. We have played good enough football to have got more. On other occasions we may have got undeserved points. We needed to play like this against a team that’s going to be at the top end of the table. Clearly we were the better team; we could have scored more goals”.

Salva Sevilla: “I know the player well, he has been with me for 4 years. Every year there are those who think he ought to leave but I have a special predilection for him. When I feel he is able to play I put him in the team. He understands football and what the team needs. He is surrounded by good players and that favours his game. Hopefully he will have a great season, I’m sure he will. I hope he enjoys it”.

Does this victory change you plans for the Europa League match?: “It doesn’t change anything. The same players are going to play, independently of what happened tonight. We have a lot of league matches to win. Before we had to get through the first European round, now we want to enjoy the experience. We wouldn’t like anything to compromise the match with Granada. We don’t want to find ourselves in a tight place, and relegation would be a disaster”.

Vadillo:“I know him better than anyone, except himself. He is training well and that’s why he played today. When he demonstrates to me how well he can play, that’s when I field him. His teammates enjoy having him around. He has a lot to offer to Spanish football. Whenever he is playing at this level he has a place on the team.

Are Verdú and Rubén Castro on the list for Olympique de Lyon?: “They have to train tomorrow, we shall see what they are like then. It isn’t a problem if they don’t play. Today, other members of the team have proved themselves to be up to scratch. No one can guarantee that Verdú is going to be a starter for Betis. Xavi, Matilla or Salva are on great form. Maybe Verdú is going to have to earn the right to be like the others”.