Pellegrini praises Mourinho transformation ahead of Real Betis vs Real Madrid: ‘Much more mature’ | OneFootball

Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid have started the new La Liga season in excellent fashion, securing three victories on the bounce to kick-start the new era.

Los Blancos have a test against Real Betis next, with Manuel Pellegrini’s side set to welcome Jose Mourinho and company at Estadio de La Cartuja.

Facing the Andalusian club in their own backyard is never an easy proposition, and Mourinho will know that his players face an important test.

Ahead of Friday’s meeting with Real Madrid, Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini has praised Jose Mourinho.

Pellegrini sees a different Mourinho

Pellegrini spoke positively about Mourinho while assessing the difficult task awaiting Betis against a Real Madrid side strengthened significantly during the summer.

“I have had many encounters with Jose on the pitch,” Pellegrini said when asked about their history.

“For me, the statements are not important.”

Manuel Pellegrini and Jose Mourinho have their fair share of history. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Their relationship inevitably attracted attention during Mourinho’s first spell at Real Madrid, particularly after comments surrounding Pellegrini’s previous tenure at the Bernabeu and subsequent move to Malaga.

However, the Real Betis coach played down any lingering tension and instead offered a notable assessment of Mourinho today.

“I have a good opinion of him as a coach,” Pellegrini said.

“I see him as much more mature than perhaps a few years ago.”

Mourinho’s second spell has so far been characterised less by confrontation and more by communication, with the coach working to bring a talented dressing room together.

While it is still early days, it does feel like the Bernabeu faithful are seeing a different version of the Portuguese tactician.

Betis expect major Madrid test

Pellegrini was equally respectful when discussing Mourinho’s team.

“Real Madrid are a team that have strengthened with many players,” he explained.

“They have players who can make the difference. We have to play a very complete match if we want to get points.”

Jose Mourinho will hope to make it four out of four wins against Betis. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Betis arrive with several absences, including Aitor Ruibal, Diego Conde, Dani Ceballos, Ez Abde and Giovani Lo Celso.

Pellegrini also admitted his team are still searching for their rhythm after an inconsistent beginning to the campaign, describing their previous performance as particularly poor.

Another test for Mourinho’s new Real Madrid

Pellegrini’s comments provide an interesting perspective on Mourinho. There will always be history attached when these two coaches meet, but the focus this time is much more firmly on the football.

Mourinho has made an encouraging start to his second spell at the club, but he will know that there is still a long way to go.

Making it four wins from four would be a dream scenario for Los Blancos, and they will have to get the better of Betis to do that.

An important away test awaits Real Madrid, and it remains to be seen how the players respond this weekend.