Pellegrini: ‘Playing in the Champions League is a major step’

Manuel Pellegrini says Betis have reached a new level by qualifying for the Champions League after six consecutive years in European competition. The Chilean coach highlighted the joy the achievement has brought supporters and called the tournament the most demanding in the world.

Speaking in Lille ahead of the official training session at Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Pellegrini said he wants Betis to make a strong campaign, beginning with an attempt to beat Lille on Tuesday. He said the team would then assess the matches that follow.

Pellegrini expects a difficult opening against a leading French side that drew with Paris Saint-Germain a week earlier. He also pointed to Lille coach Davide Ancelotti, who has recently moved out from under the shadow of his father, Carlo Ancelotti, whom Pellegrini called “the best coach in history.” Pellegrini said Davide would probably become a great coach with an idea similar to his father’s.

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Playing in the Champions League is a major step.

The Betis coach, who has played in seven Champions League campaigns, said the competition is highly attractive but can also take a toll. That makes a balanced squad essential, he said, because Betis must compete on two fronts. LaLiga remains the club’s main priority because it reflects the entire season, while Pellegrini wants to advance as far as possible in the Copa del Rey and Champions League.

He said he would continue his usual rotation policy because Betis have a committed squad capable of competing in every tournament. Pellegrini also expressed doubts about Colombian striker Cucho Hernández, who is behind in his preparation after the World Cup, while new signing Troy Parrott has been training with the team for several weeks.

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The best coach in history.