Manuel Pellegrini – ‘Real Betis taking the next step depends on the financial situation’

Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini has declared that no more can be asked of the club unless there is more investment. Los Verdiblancos have finished in Europa League positions in every full season since the Chilean took over the job, but have fallen just short of the Champions League on multiple occasions.

Speaking to Diario AS, Pellegrini noted the lack of signing power that Betis have had, which pales in comparison to their rivals. Betis have made a net profit of close to €90m over the past four seasons, with their most expensive signing in that time striker Willian Jose for €10m.

“The next step for this Betis depends on the club’s financial situation. We were barely able to sign in recent years. When there is stability there may be a more competitive squad. But this team has no ceiling, we compete against anyone and we have won a Copa de Rey. What has been done in these four years is something to take your hat off to.”

One of the key issues has not just been a lack of ability to sign, but also an inability to hang onto their best players. While Nabil Fekir has remained, Sergio Canales, Alex Moreno and Giovani Lo Celso have been sold in recent years, although perhaps the most painful was the loss of Luiz Felipe, who moved to Saudi Arabia after the transfer deadline.

“The budget and bringing in high-level players helps a lot, but it does not guarantee success. I highly value what has been done here, with the lack of financial resources, both in sports management, in the board of directors, and in the coaching staff and the players. I don’t like to compare, reality is what it is and you have to work with it. I wish there was more money. But the team sometimes responds more than it has when more was invested in previous