Pepe Mel: 'Winning against Betis at Benito Villamarín is going to be very difficult'

'Beating Betis at the Benito Villamarín stadium is going to be very difficult,' stated UD Almería head coach Pepe Mel before playing this Sunday in Seville (KO 9pm Spanish Time/ Matchday 35). He sent a message to the Betis player on loan at Amorebieta who is on medical leave after suffering a domestic accident: 'On behalf of all of us who are part of the Club, I want to send a message. a hug and a message of encouragement to Félix Garreta.'

Since the arrival of the Madrid native head coach, the Rojiblancos are undefeated away from home, with a draw in San Sebastián, and two victories in Las Palmas and Vallecas against two former Pepe Mel sides. Now he visits Betis, where he was a player and head coach. 'A friend talks to me about scoring a hat-trick,' although he spoke of the complications due to 'the potential of opponents fighting to be in Europe.'

Mr Mel was asked if he would apologise for winning at the Benito Villamarín Stadium, if he achieved another victory as visitors, to which he responded: 'I cannot apologise for winning; it's what I want and the Beticos know it. Then after the game, I will hope they qualify for Europe. I've always said that Betis is my home, but now I owe myself to UD Almería and I give everything for my Club, the one that pays me.'

'I don't understand those who score a goal and ask for forgiveness... then don't score it!,' the coach said. He was questioned about the differences that exist between the team that plays at home (three losses) and the one that plays as guests (one draw and two wins). 'In our stadium we want to play attacking football and the goals we concede come in transitions from the opponents due to losses. Away from home, we're more together, more united and we defend well within the area which has been where we have bled this season. We don't care if they kick from twenty or thirty metres,' he explained. On that note, he indicated 'The problem is the losses of the ball, which is something that must be corrected for the future, but it must be done from the pre-season.'

Pepe Mel is aware of 'the difficulties of managing a team that has been relegated,' but stressed 'We have to keep it up with ambition and wanting to do things well until the end of the league.' The gaffer reflected 'At this point and in our situation, we cannot insist on tactical aspects and strategy; we have to review them, but the important thing is that the training sessions are competitive and fun. The footballer has to come to work with joy, especially since we still have four uncomfortable games left that we want to end in a positive way. We have to influence the players on responsibility, professionalism and the future,' he concluded.