Real Betis Coach Quique Setien has hit back at critics who have accused him of not showing ambition to qualify for Europe.
The Seville-based club are in contention for a Europa League spot next season, which has been downplayed by the former Las Palmas boss, who has now defended his stance.
“I'm shocked when I'm accused of not wanting to go to Europe,” Setien told his pre-match press conference.
“I am told that I lack ambition of not wanting to qualify or that I do not want to win, or at least that is insinuated from a lot of people.
“The possibility of qualifying is fantastic and would give a lot of prestige for the club, for me and for everyone involved.
“But the problem is I do not build up these expectations as I am a calm person, I do not want to look beyond the next match and like any sensible person, I do not want to rule out possibilities.
“The problem from this is that we may then feel obliged that we must do this and it is not sensible to think in this way.”
Speaking of Monday’s trip to Alaves, the Coach added: “We will go to Vitoria to win the match, as we always do and try to formulate the best plan for doing so.
“Sometimes football makes you smile and sometimes it makes you upset, but we must try to get a positive result against a tough opponent.”
