Pepe Mel has admitted that Real Betis would benefit from a positive result in the Europa League tomorrow to alleviate League disappointment.
Los Beticos are at the wrong end of the table two weeks into the season with consecutive defeats, but have the chance on Thursday to reach the group stages of the Europa League.
Betis host Czech outfit Jablonec at the Benito Villamarin with a 2-1 first leg advantage in their Play-off round tie.
“It’s a very unique game, if we were to lose then we could be out,” Mel reflected to reporters today.
“Over there in the first leg we probably played our worst game from the last six, but this Betis deserves the benefit of the doubt.
“Jablonec have played six official games more than us and they are tough, physically strong and are playing well. This is not easy and we will have to be at 100 per cent.
“Moral after two League defeats? We have to keep playing well and taking chances, something that we have not been doing in recent games.
“The games that we did not have to win, we managed to, and the games where we should have won, we have lost.
“We must realise our level throughout the games. I am satisfied with what the team has done, just not the results.
“The team needs a positive outcome tomorrow and it may be a good day. To progress in the competition would make us see that we are on the right track.
“The feelings are important, but we must endorse them with points.”
Mel was at the weekend critical of his Betis side’s finishing so far this season, whilst striker Jorge Molina and goalkeeper Stephean Andersen have both come under scrutiny.
“I applaud Molina publicly. He gives us many things and not just the goals, he has given Betis much in three years and for this we have renewed his contract.
“If you want to misinterpret my words then it is because it is easy and I say things that I want to. Tomorrow I will play Molina, and Anderson and nine more.
“I am going to make changes for sure, because Nosa has not trained and Verdu has a hamstring issue.
“Ruben Castro’s fitness? Ruben will take time to be 100 per cent but he is one more for the cause and will add to what we have already.
“He will need many more minutes, though, to catch up with preseason and get into the rhythm.”
