Guillen: No doubts over Mel

Miguel Guillen has assured that Real Betis will offer Coach Pepe Mel ‘everything they can provide’ when it comes to renewing his contract.

Mel has enjoyed a successful season so far with Los Beticos and currently has the team in sight of European qualification.

Recent speculation is that he will be rewarded with a long-term contract and his President has suggested this may not be wide of the mark.

“When the time comes I will be happy to offer everything that Real Betis can provide,” Guillen told reporters this week.

“There is no mistake about what we will do. He could be the first Spanish national Coach to stay at a single club for a long time.

“He can continue here at Betis for a long time. He is doing a very good job with his team. The Coach knows full well that when the time comes there will be no problem about renewing.”

Mel takes Betis up to the capital next weekend to play Real Madrid.

“The match carries a lot of motivation. We are able to cause an upset at the Bernabeu and in fact, we have alredy beaten them in the reverse fixture this season.

“I do not think their Champions League involvement will help us because Madrid has an impressive team.

“If Cristiano Ronaldo is rested then another will do well in his place.”

Guillen also reflected on Nosa Igiebor’s accusation that Betis supporters racially abused him during Friday evening’s draw with Sevilla, prompting his middle-finger salute to them in scoring the last minute equaliser.

“I believe that Real Betis have been working for some time to eradicate racism and xenophobia at the Benito Villamarin.

“In a way, I understand his anger. It is not the way to react and less so for a goal as important, but we wish to eradicate racism in our stadium.”

Tags Guillen Mel Nosa
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