Pellegrini backs Iñigo Pérez and says Villarreal can recover before Betis visit | OneFootball

Manuel Pellegrini returns to La Cerámica with Real Betis on Monday, playing down Villarreal’s uneven start and backing Iñigo Pérez.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, he said the early slump should not dictate the campaign and that Pérez is highly capable and will end up getting the results Villarreal expect.

A former Villarreal manager from 2004/05 to 2008/09, he argued that a strong run will have Villarreal back in European places, adding that by budget and squad they are well placed to push, alongside Real Sociedad and Athletic.

The round five LaLiga EA Sports fixture kicks off at 21:00 on Monday 14 September at La Cerámica. Pellegrini confirmed Ez Abde returns to the squad after training normally for the past three days.

Dani Ceballos is also included, still awaiting his Betis debut, and will be eased in after a long lay-off and missing pre-season. Iker Losada is omitted for technical reasons, while Aitor Ruibal, Diego Llorente and José Antonio Morante are not selected as they have only just returned from injury.

Pellegrini criticised early-season scheduling, saying a Monday slot benefits neither side and questioning the need to play three matches in a week.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo

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