Diego Llorente has confirmed his return to full fitness and expressed strong belief in the Real Betis Balompié squad's ability to handle a demanding schedule across three competitions. The centre-back and captain, who missed games in September with a nasal fracture and a muscular issue, stated the team is ready to compete with anyone.
Llorente gave an interview on Wednesday to RTV Betis where he analysed the team's current situation. "If there is a Betis capable of competing with anyone, it is this year's; there is a squad with many resources," the defender said. This statement comes at a key moment, with the team sitting third in LaLiga on 16 points and riding a five-match unbeaten run.
Recovery and competitiveness
The player suffered the nasal fracture in the match against Real Madrid and later nursed a minor issue that kept him out. Now, back in training, he declares himself ready to help the team in a decisive period. Betis face nine fixtures in just 28 days, combining League, Champions League and Copa del Rey commitments.
Llorente highlighted the competitive environment at the training ground, where even practice matches are taken seriously. He mentioned assistant manager Rubén Cousillas as the referee for those internal games and joked about the squad's hatred of losing, even at board games. "The team hates losing and always aims to win," he noted.
Depth is the key
For the captain, the squad's breadth is this season's main asset. He believes they do not rely on just eleven or fourteen players, but have usable options in every position. Names like Álvaro Valles, Héctor Bellerín, Marc Bartra and Pablo Fornals bring experience and freshness to the dressing room.
This solidity will be vital for the official Champions League debut at La Cartuja, a stadium Betis return to after 21 years. Llorente recalled that qualification for Europe's top competition was earned through last season's performance and now it's time to enjoy the challenge. He insisted that in the Champions League, details like goals for and against make all the difference.
Focusing on the immediate and the personal
The defender stressed the philosophy of taking matches one at a time, always focusing on the next opponent. The team arrives in good spirits after a solid league start, with five wins and just one draw from seven games.
Off the pitch, Llorente revealed his interest in teaching youth football after retirement. "A good mix between football and teaching could be in the youth categories; it's something that gratifies me a lot," he confessed. He has already completed teaching practice at a school, a project that excites him.
The captain ended by describing Betis as "a way of life" that transcends sport. He promised to give back to the fans, through attitude and commitment, the hope they have placed in the squad. His return to the pitch coincides with the start of the most intense phase of the campaign, where Betis aims to maintain its strong position in the LaLiga standings.
Read the full report at ABC Deportes
