Pellegrini's Betis takes shape, focusing on goalkeeping changes
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Real Betis is shaping its team under coach Manuel Pellegrini, focusing on the goalkeeper position.
- The team has seen changes in its goalkeeping lineup with new arrivals and departures.
- Betis is also strengthening its squad with new signings in midfield and defense ahead of their Champions League return.
Real Betis, under the guidance of Chilean coach Manuel Pellegrini, is solidifying its squad for the upcoming season, with significant changes occurring in the goalkeeper position. With the league opener just a month away on August 21 against Real Sociedad, the team is actively preparing.
Following their preseason training camp in Germany, which included a friendly match, Betis has revamped its goalkeeping department. Adriรกn San Miguel has retired, and Pau Lรณpez has rescinded his contract to join Andorra. In their place, Diego Conde has arrived on a one-year loan from Villarreal and will compete with รlvaro Valles for the starting role. Young talent Manu Gonzรกlez, a recent European Under-19 champion, also joins as the third-choice goalkeeper.
Conde and Gonzรกlez have already begun training in Seville under the technical staff led by Rubรฉn Cousillas, as Pellegrini is temporarily away for personal matters. The team has also welcomed its first new signings: Uruguayan midfielder Facundo Bernal from Fluminense and left-back Fran Garcรญa from Real Madrid. These additions aim to bolster the squad depth as Betis prepares for its return to the Champions League after a 21-year absence.
Moroccan winger Ez Abde, a key player in Betis's European qualification, has also rejoined training after recovering from a knee sprain. The team's preseason schedule includes several friendly matches throughout July and August, culminating before the start of LaLiga. The club is also actively seeking a center forward to complement existing options.
Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.