Barcelona consolidated a four-point lead at the top of the table with a win over Mallorca midweek and once again got back to their winning ways with a much-needed 5-1 result.
Now, they stare a second consecutive tricky challenge on the road as they take on Real Betis at Benito Villamarin in Sevilla on Saturday evening.
With Robert Lewandowski rested, Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo in better touch and Raphinha in the form of his life, the Catalans will look to keep the guns blazing tomorrow.
However, Manuel Pellegrini’s side will pose steep questions for they are a formidable unit, especially at home.
Pellegrini praises Barcelona
Speaking to the media ahead of his team’s clash against the league leaders, Real Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini gave his thoughts on Barcelona’s season so far, the high-flying attack and the high defensive line.
He first commented on the Blaugrana’s great run across all competitions this season and how one must not read into their few defeats in La Liga.
“Barça came from two defeats and a draw in the last games, now they played an early match against Mallorca and they won again.”
“At the moment, they are the reference and have shown that they are the best team. Even the best teams go through complicated moments, it is also happening to Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid,” he added on the team’s slight hiccup.
He then conveyed how football is a marathon and how staying consistent was difficult, especially for the elite.
“It’s football. You have to show week after week who is the best team,” he said.
Pellegrini spoke highly of Barcelona and Hansi Flick. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Speaking on Hansi Flick’s adaptation to La Liga and how he has got the forward line of Barcelona firing on all cylinders, Pellegrini said: “He is a coach who came to a new league. I think the results are proving it.”
“The team plays a very colourful football and is the one that scores the most goals and that is why it is one of the most leading,” he added.
Finally, the Real Betis manager spoke on Barcelona’s high-defensive line and how it has been a talking point all season.
“Everyone realizes that they play with the defence very advanced. Everyone prepares it, but then you have to execute it.”
“In the theory part, no one would make a mistake, you can see all the videos. But then you try to do it and the other team surpasses you. But we have worked on it,” he added, showing confidence in his team.
Source: SPORT