Mel ‘couldn’t say no’ to Betis

Pepe Mel revealed how he 'couldn't say no' to Real Betis as he prepares to begin his second spell in charge of the Andalucian club.

Having originally left the club last December, the 51-year-old agreed to retake charge of the Segunda outfit until the end of the season this week, and speaking at his official unveiling today, the trainer admitted the opportunity was too good to resist.

"Now I have much more responsibility than I did 2010. I asked ​​the Betis board three questions and they answered satisfactorily," he said.

"Many people tell me that I was surely wrong to take this job, I know what I'm letting myself in for because winning games and climbing up the table is the only option.

"My heart doesn't allow me to say no to Betis. I said no to two or three teams, but I couldn't say no to Betis. This is my team, my home and where I want to be.

"What's changed? I know more English than before. I'm a Coach who people love because I am what I am, I can't change my way of being. If Betis called me, it's because they wanted Pepe Mel back.

"My duties will be the same as any Coach, to have the power to say what I think is better or not. The biggest mistake in my last spell here was that I didn't participate in any of that.

"Personally, I feel the utmost gratitude from the fans. I have no words to describe the affection I get in the streets. Professionally, I feel valued at Betis.

"Apart from whether the result is good or bad, the most important thing is that the players have left everything on the pitch."

Betis head into the winter break third in the Spanish second tier, three points behind Sporting Gijon.

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La Liga - Club News