Real Betis Coach Pepe Mel wishes the Mayan prediction had come true, as the world would have ended with Betis in a European spot!
Today’s date marks the end of a cycle in the ancient Mayan civilisation’s calendar, leading some to believe that the world would end today.
“If the world was over, we would be in Europe,” Mel joked at his media briefing previewing tomorrow’s clash with Real Mallorca at the Estadio Benito Villamarin.
“The year 2012 has for this club been an exemplary one, both from a sporting and corporate perspective. We’re looking forward with tranquillity. That word is valuable in football and Betis have known that for a long time.”
Mel is keen not to underestimate troubled Mallorca, a team led by a tactician he holds in high esteem.
“I am not qualified to give advice to Joaquin [Caparros], he has more years in football than me. Hopefully Mallorca have the confidence in him that my club had in me but tomorrow Betis will win.”
The former Rayo Vallecano boss has not forgotten his side’s shock home defeats to Rayo and Granada.
“I was afraid of the Granada game, and it hit me. Now we are more aware and will take a step forward. We are playing a team whose Coach will motivate them well.”
Mel ended by looking forward to the January window.
“We’ve had a couple of meetings to try and meet the economic and sporting needs of the club. Everything is in place. If you ask whether we need a striker after the departure of [Jonathan] Pereira, I would say we have the wildcard of Joel Campbell.
“Benat? [Extebarria] I have explained he will only leave if someone pays the clause. The rest doesn’t interest us, whoever wants him must put €20m on the table.”
