Pepe Mel has reflected on Real Betis’ necessity to continue rotating their team in Europe and on the possibility of January transfer activity to cover Ruben Castro.
Los Beticos are this Thursday out in Croatia for the second round of the Europa League group phase and once more expected to make changes to their team.
For their Coach, the practice is with the long-term in mind.
“We have a lot of games and in December the Copa del Rey begins that will bring with it further fatigue and so to have all of our players available is essential,” Mel reflected to reporters today.
“We are forced to rotate and the teams that do not are having problems, such as Real Sociedad.
“Winning tomorrow against Rijeka gives us a chance of fighting for everything and moving forward in the group.
“We should be enjoying this competition and the players deserve to go as far as possible in it. When we got into Europe, we knew of the cons that it would bring.
“We hope that next year we also have to rotate because we have returned to European competition. It would be a great sign.”
Betis are again without Ruben Castro as he continues to look for answers to a chronic back problem.
“We do not know when Ruben will be available. He has gone to Barcelona for treatment twice, and we do not want what may follow, where he may have to undergo surgery, because that would leave us without him for several months.
“Hopefully after the international break he can join us, because until then it will be impossible. Ruben is not here and he will not be with us at Getafe [at the weekend].
“The first to be demoralised is him, and he gives us so much in all aspects that we have to have him back.
“Would we bring in a replacement in January? It would be good news for us not to go into the market, as that would mean that Ruben would be fit.
“But if the matter is extended then we would have to look for cover.”
