New Real Betis Coach Antonio Calderon has called on his players to step up and be heroes in saving the side from the drop.
Calderon was appointed following the sacking of Juan Carlos Garrido and after Pepe Mel started the season in the Estadio Benito Villamarín dugout, is the third Coach to take charge of the club this season.
His first game comes against fellow strugglers Celta Vigo on Friday and Calderon told his pre-match Press conference that it’s a time for heroes to come to the fore.
“The players have to emotionally recover,” Calderon said of the difficult first half of the season.
“I have confidence that it is already happening.
“Within a few days I’ve seen a change. I’ve seen them smile, I saw joy in training. We need heroes.
“I get the impression they’re happy with me. That’s the first step, and we can see a big change sooner than we thought.”
Asked to outline his philosophy regarding the team’s style of play, Calderon called for a possession-based game full of hard work.
“I like to have the ball,” he said.
“But when we don’t have it we have to work. Our attitude can win the game and we have to keep narrow gaps between the lines.
“When we don’t have the ball we have to be together so that Celta can’t play their game.”
Calderon also praised the Betis supporters for offering him a warm welcome in his new job.
“They continue to show affection.
“This city is wonderful, this is where I have been happiest in my life.
“There’ve been some wonderful gestures from people and now we must use their support.”
