Pellegrini: We Did Not Beat Real Madrid Because of the Referee; We Took Our Chances and They Did Not

After Real Betis defeated Real Madrid at home, head coach Manuel Pellegrini discussed in the post-match press conference the team's response after losing to Levante, Mourinho's view of the match, his substitutions and the performances of players including Parrott.

On Mourinho believing Real Betis played for a draw in this match

Pellegrini said: "My analysis is different from his, because I believe the team was going for the win from the first minute. Against an opponent like Real Madrid, we were always trying to find chances to threaten their goal, and that was certainly not easy."

Overall, I think both teams had periods in the first half where they had the advantage. We also had a very clear scoring chance, and they created some opportunities as well. In the second half, I think overall we even had more possession and played more in their half.

They created very dangerous chances through set pieces, and Alvaro Valles made three very, very outstanding saves. But in the end, we scored the goal. We defeated a strong opponent in a very tight match and earned three points. Of course, if the match had ended in a draw, I think that would also have been a fair result. Football is often like this: we took our chances, and they did not.

On the message he delivered to the dressing room after the previous defeat to Levante

Pellegrini said: "It is the same message I have delivered throughout my seven years at Real Betis. Football only allows you 24 hours to deal with a match. After a win you can enjoy it for 24 hours, and after a defeat you can suffer for 24 hours. Many specific things happen during games, just like in our match against Levante. You have to understand these things and review them. Whether you win or lose, you must criticize yourself. Then after 24 hours, you must believe again in what you are doing and work hard to win the next match, and that is exactly what we did."

The team's response after a poor result

Pellegrini said: "It is difficult to say whether I knew beforehand that the team would respond like this, but I was very sure they could because I know these players and we have worked together for seven years. They understand the mentality we try to instill: do not become overconfident because of victory, and do not collapse because of defeat. You must analyze things and understand that a football match can change because of two or three specific moments."

The score can change, but your belief in what you do on the pitch cannot change. Individual demands cannot change, and the team's ambition must always remain, regardless of setbacks during a season. Sometimes results are positive and sometimes negative, but this team has proven many times that it is difficult for us to suffer two setbacks in a row. Even if that happens, we stand up again. There is a reason we have been so consistent in recent seasons.

The impact of substitutions in this match

Pellegrini said: "Whether you consider a substitution successful depends on the performance of the players who come on. What ultimately decides whether a substitution works is always the player's individual performance. I think we did not have less possession than them in the second half, and their clearest chances came from set pieces. The temperature was 36 degrees Celsius, so players naturally felt the physical demands. I think the midfield adjustment was effective, and bringing on Antony was as well."

But I want to say again that coaches make substitutions based on what they see on the pitch. After the substitution is made, whether it is good or bad is decided by the players' performances. Fortunately, the substitutes today were very committed, quickly adapted to the way we were playing, and we eventually won the match.

On the problems caused by Real Madrid's strong set-piece ability

Pellegrini said: "I agree with your point. Real Madrid have some players with very strong aerial ability. I think I need to watch the match again; I cannot be 100 percent certain now, but Alvaro Valles' two or three best saves did indeed come after their set pieces."

Our goal also came from a set piece. These are specific moments in a match and are affected by many factors, but without doubt physical qualities are an important factor.

On Parrott scoring his first goal since joining Real Betis

Pellegrini said: "I am very happy for Parrott. He came to a new club and a completely different football environment... He had already received some playing time in previous matches. Against Levante he had a chance that could have changed the score but did not take it. Today, after Nelson Deossa's header, he did not score by luck but through his striker instinct."

I am also very happy for Deossa, a player who has faced many questions. For Parrott, starting a new chapter at a new club and in a different football environment, and scoring the goal that defeated Real Madrid, will give him great confidence. He is also a player who is very willing to commit and is physically strong. I think he and Cucho will form a very good attacking partnership, whether they play together or separately.

On Diego Llorente's injury situation

Pellegrini said: "Diego Llorente suffered a collision that caused a nasal bone fracture. We will now see the specific situation and how long it takes him to return to the pitch."

Mourinho's complaints regarding disciplinary decisions

Pellegrini said: "I do not think our style of play was particularly aggressive. I think both teams were competing for possession, and I do not believe the referee had a very important impact on the match. One more or one fewer yellow card was not, in my opinion, a factor that decided the result."

We did not win because of the referee. We won because we took one opportunity and they did not take theirs. It may have been because they faced Alvaro Valles, or because they missed the penalty that could have produced a goal. That is football: specific moments decide the final result, but I do not think the referee was the reason for this match.

On Parrott's current adaptation

Pellegrini said: "I think he will become a very important striker for our team. From his style of play and characteristics, I believe he will be very useful. We know that in Ireland and England, the No. 9 and goalscorer of every team must be strong enough and compete for every ball. Having only trained with us for two weeks, he has already done very well in this regard."

On Parrott's role in the team this season

Pellegrini said: "His season has only just started. As I said, we hope he can become an important player for the team. We need to compete in three competitions, and he can also play together with Cucho..."

On Bernal's performance

Pellegrini said: "Facundo Bernal is a player we had been following. He is still young, and I think he has many qualities suited to this position. He may still need to adapt further to European football. Around the 60th or 70th minute, he still clearly feels the demands of the match. Also, before coming here, he had already played part of a season. But I believe he will become a very important player in this position. As he further adapts to the team's overall way of operating, he will bring us more."

Message to the supporters

Pellegrini said: "It is the same message I have delivered here over the past seven years, because the response the fans give the team in every match has always been consistent. I have said before that for players, whether they suffer setbacks or achieve victories, after 24 hours they must move on, or finish enjoying the win and then start preparing for the next match. When results do not meet expectations, fans also suffer greatly, but in the next match they always respond immediately again."

That is why we can see so many fans here. Not only at home matches, but wherever we go to play away outside Seville, there are always Real Betis supporters there backing the team. I am very happy for them that we can bring them this happiness. Without doubt, they are also an important part of why this team can have such an impact.