The Spanish media, specifically those of Seville, praised ‘Engineer’ Pellegrini and outlined some criticism of Claudio Bravo in Betis’s setback against Barcelona for the Spanish Super Cup
The Spanish press praised Manuel Pellegrini and criticized Claudio Bravo when analyzing the performance of Real Betis in the Verdiblancos’ defeat on penalties against FC Barcelona, in the semifinals of the Spanish Super Cup.
The ‘Engineer’ was noted for his approach that allowed him to have the powerful squad led by Xavi Hernández on the ropes until the last minute.
Estadio Deportivo pointed out that the national strategist “bet, against the odds, for an eleven of ‘jugones’, without fault that his most reliable defense at the moment suffered from the Catalan attacks”.
“He didn’t get his team to have control, although perhaps he didn’t want it either, but he did get him to punish from the outside in with crosses and penetrations. He never gave up on the win, with offensive changes until his stars fell, ”he added.
“He exploited the virtues of his players and tried to make them minimize their weaknesses,” he said.
Meanwhile, El Desmarque valued the high level of competitiveness that Betis presents with the Chilean on the bench. “A few years ago, the Betis couldn’t even dream of winning the Copa del Rey and fighting for a Super Cup,” he mentioned.
“Today he had Barça on the ropes. Pundonor, bravery and courage. Sometimes losing is also winning. Head up. The béticos should be proud. You can not ask for more”.
With Claudio Bravo the Seville media were not condescending. Despite a couple of good saves, the press criticized the insecurity of the former Barça and Manchester City goalkeeper.
“He conveyed little sense of security in the game and in penalties,” said Diario de Sevilla.
Estadio Deportivo, meanwhile, commented that “hurried by the high pressure of Barça, which complicated their long passes by almost never risking elaborations from the ‘cave’, he received a strong blow in a jump from Araujo that undermined his confidence” .
“Pedri and Lewandowski finished him off three times from point blank range. A good hand for Ansu Fati already in overtime, although his left footed shot in extra time surprised him from a long way off, ”he added.
Lastly, El Desmarque referred to the player trained in Colo Colo in that “perhaps he was seen with improper doubts about his experience in some actions, although it is also worth noting that he saved Betis with very meritorious stretches. On penalties, he guessed several shots, but couldn’t save any of them.