Manuel Pellegrini has been busy hailing Pablo Fornals, who he was “lucky to have” at West Ham United.
El Pais cover comments from the Real Betis boss today. He was full of praise for the Spaniard, who is ageing like a fine wine.
Fornals has been earning praise for his current role in the Betis squad, which is going through a delicate moment. They’re without the likes of Giovani Lo Celsco, Isco and Sofyan Amrabat due to injury.
That’s left them requiring someone to take the team on their shoulders. Fornals has proven to be that man. He became a crucial player last season, shining in Pellegrini’s system. This season he’s set to ‘shatter’ his previous records. He’s already on six goals this season, matching his previous best at West Ham and Malaga.
Pellegrini is more than happy with him. He pushed for Betis to secure the midfielder’s signature in 2024 and has been benefiting from it since.
He’s worked with Fornals for years, previously signing him at West Ham. The midfielder has now made 81 appearances under him, with 12 goals and 12 assists to date. Pellegrini is a big fan as a result. And was keen to praise him publicly too.
Manuel Pellegrini a fan since West Ham
Manuel Pellegrini
Madrid, Spain – 12 15 2025: Manuel Pellegrini seen during LaLiga EA SPORTS game between team of Rayo Vallecano and Real Betis Balompie
“Pablo has improved over the years. I was lucky enough to manage him at West Ham, and that’s why we brought him in,” he said.
“Besides his quality, he’s a very committed player. He’s a box-to-box player, but he’s also adapted to being a playmaker. He’s involved in both goals and assists. And he gives us an option with so many creative players injured.”
It’s not just ability on the pitch that Pellegrini values, though. He sees the impact that Fornals makes every day on the other players around him. That’s particularly noticeable with several key players currently out.
“There are reasons why he’s doing so well,” he added.
“He’s a tremendous worker and has a strong sense of commitment that makes him take on even more responsibility, especially now when key teammates are unavailable. He’s quietly assumed a leadership role.”
That’s been backed up by the club, who ‘affirmed’ “he quietly takes charge” when asked about the midfielder.
Pablo Fornals increasingly a leader
Pablo Fornals
Madrid, Spain – 12 15 2025: Pablo Fornals seen during LaLiga EA SPORTS game between team of Rayo Vallecano and Real Betis Balompie
He demonstrated that in the recent clash with Valencia. Fornals scored the winning goal in that game, before celebrating with teammate Abde. He pretended to light a cigarette for him. This was in direct reference to racist chants the player had suffered at the Mestalla in the first leg.
“Abde was subjected to racist chants, and it was a way of standing up for and supporting our teammate,” Fornals explained afterwards.
“It’s not pleasant for anyone who comes from another country to do their job as best as possible.”
That, the newspaper argues, was further proof of how Fornals is a ‘versatile and socially conscious player. Now they, and Pellegrini, want everyone to be aware of it.