Pellegrini warns Real Betis of Fiorentina Conference League threat: ‘It’s logical at this level’

GIRONA, SPAIN – APRIL 21: Manuel Pellegrini, Head Coach of Real Betis, looks on prior to the LaLiga match between Girona FC and Real Betis Balompie at Montilivi Stadium on April 21, 2025 in Girona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Real Betis head coach Manuel Pellegrini is aware of the threat that Fiorentina will pose his side in the upcoming Conference League semi-final, the third in succession for La Viola, who will take on the LaLiga outfit at the Benito Villamarín on Thursday night. 

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday evening, Pellegrini admitted that it is ‘logical’ that there are no easy games at this stage of a European competition, and has told his Betis side to be wary of the threat that Fiorentina possess from midfield and their centre-forwards. 

What Pellegrini said about Fiorentina in Conference League press conference

“Fiorentina are in their third consecutive Conference League semi-final. They play well and have very technically gifted players,” Pellegrini told the press, reported via TMW. 

“I just hope to have the same Betis as we have done in recent weeks. In front of us, we’ll have a strong and difficult opponent to gace, as is logical at this level.” 

Speaking about the threat that Raffaele Palladino’s side will bring, Pellegrini added: “Fiorentina play good football, they have creative midfielders and dangerous strikers, who score a lot. We will have to keep control of the ball because they like to do that too.”

Pellegrini explains what Real Betis need to do against Fiorentina

Real Betis have won nine of their last 10 matches in LaLiga, including a 2-1 victory over Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid. The only time they have not won in the league over that period was the 1-1 draw with Champions League semi-finalists Barcelona. 

Assessing his impressive run of form, Pellegrini said: “There are no secrets or recipes. When results are achieved, it is because there is chemistry within a group that is ready to change in order to keep the competitive levels high. 

“So, I say quality and a squad that is concentrated on every level, because it’s impossible to do well with only 11 players. The luck factor is also important.” 

Despite his side’s strong form over the last few months, Pellegrini is reluctant to set any specific targets for the first leg of Thursday’s Conference League semi-final. 

“I think it would be a big mistake to think about any goals tomorrow, that would mean underestimating the opponent,” he explained. 

“Even after the 2-0 win over Jagiellonia, I said that it wouldn’t be easy in the second leg. We will have to do well at home and then go and win in Florence, because that is our philosophy regardless of the opponent or competition.”