Isco and his teammates are hoping to knock Rangers out of the Europa League, but he knows it will be a challenge in Seville.
Isco of Real Betis has pushed his team to fulfill their Europa League destiny.
During his nine-year stay at the Bernabeu, the former Real Madrid star won five Champions League titles. However, the 31-year-old would like to add another Euro souvenir to his collection and hopes that this is his year with Manuel Pellegrini’s team.
The La Liga club is in pole position to escape Group C ahead of Thursday night’s section finale against Rangers, and a win at the Estadio Benito Villamarin will assure them top spot – and avoid a difficult play-off against a Champions League drop-out in February. “It would be very nice to win this competition,” Isco stated.
“The team has the ultimate ambition to go out and win each game and gradually advance through the knock-out stages. It depends on how we perform. That will decide our destiny in the Europa League We arrived with the motivation to win to secure first place. We don’t want to make any fuss about the results which might open up the possibility for surprises.”
Pellegrini’s side got off to a nightmare start when they lost their opening group game to Michael Beale’s Gers line-up. But the Londoner didn’t last much longer and Pellegrini will now find new Light Blues boss Philippe Clement standing in the opposition dugout tomorrow night.
The big Belgian has yet to taste defeat in any of the 12 games he’s overseen since moving to Glasgow. And Pellegrini expects another tough challenge.
He said: “We know Rangers have changed their manager and so it won’t be the same side we faced in Glasgow. But we’re expecting a big team, the kind that Rangers always shows in the European cups.
“We would have taken the chance to reach the last game like this with the chance to top what is a fairly even group. Rangers normally play in the Champions League, Sparta Prague is a leader in its competition. Being first and having the opportunity to decide the group at home is an important responsibility that we like having.
“The games that allow us to reach this situation have also been important. Last time in Glasgow we played a very good game, we dominated the first half, we had chances, but in a corner they managed to score the only goal. But it is a different Rangers, with the same players but the coach changed and they don’t play the same way.
“We are facing a team with experience in international competitions and we have to play a good game. Rangers, as a great team that goes out to win matches. A draw is of no use to them, they can be knocked out. They have a lot of power up front and are very focused on the defensive part of the game. But we will be the usual Betis.”
Meanwhile, midfielder William Carvalho has given his boss an early Christmas present by returning from injury weeks ahead of schedule. The 80-cap Portugal ace was supposed to be out until the new year but is back fit to face Gers.
But Pellegrini still has casualty concerns. “William and Rodri Sanchez trained normally. Initially we did not want to risk William for the Europa League but he is fit and is in contention. Tomorrow he will feel the inactive time, but physically he has no problem and in terms of football he has not forgotten to play.
“Luiz Henrique did not train yesterday due to discomfort, but he will be on the list. We have the absences of Claudio Bravo, Marc Bartra, Nabil Fekir and Guido Rodriguez.”
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