Rubén Cousillas, assistant to manager Manuel Pellegrini, declared his lifelong commitment to Real Betis Balompié during a tribute from the club's veteran supporters. At an event held this Thursday, the Uruguayan coach, now in his seventh season at the Benito Villamarín, stated that his connection with the club has transcended the professional to become deeply personal.

The Alfonso Jaramillo Veteran Supporters' Group hosted a lunch in honour of Pellegrini and Cousillas, recognising their work leading a team sitting third in La Liga with 16 points. The event highlighted the unconditional support of a generation that has lived through every emotion with the Seville-based club.

A bond beyond the job

Cousillas, who has worked with Pellegrini for over 25 years, expressed profound gratitude for the affection he has received. "I have been treated very well everywhere I have been, but nowhere have I received the affection and love from all the Betis fans, in the street, in the shops, at the stadium," he explained. The assistant manager concluded his speech with a declaration that resonated with those present: "I arrived here as a professional and the day I leave, I will leave as just another Betis fan."

For his part, Manuel Pellegrini was also moved to share the evening with those who have followed Betis for decades. "The truth is that it is very emotional to be with people who have been behind Betis for so many years with the same passion," said the Chilean coach. He thanked them for the support felt "in every place we go to play with Betis within Spain."

Context of a team in form

The tribute comes at a sweet moment for the Verdiblancos, who are on a run of five domestic matches without defeat. Their last result was a 1-1 draw against Deportivo La Coruna, a point that keeps Betis five points off the top. The squad, whose performance can be tracked on our stats page, now prepares to host Osasuna after the international break.

The next fixture at the Villamarín, against an opponent sitting 13th, represents a chance to keep adding points in the fight for the high places. The sentiment expressed by Cousillas reflects the positive atmosphere surrounding the project, where the professional and the emotional walk hand in hand towards a common goal.

Read the full report at ABC Deportes