Manuel Pellegrini: Real Betis Boss Explains Why He Failed at Real Madrid

• Manuel Pellegrini coached Real Madrid for one season in 2009/2010
• The current Real Betis failed to win a trophy during his spell, but there were problems
• He recently revealed that he had issues with president Florentino Perez

Real Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini has disclosed why his tenure at Real Madrid was never going to be successful.

The Chilean manager managed the Los Blancos for one season, where he went trophyless despite having a star-studded squad.

The 70-year-old finished second in the 2009/2010 campaign in La Liga despite getting 96 points. They lost the title to Pep Guardiola's Barcelona, who beat them twice that season.

Expectations were probably high at the club since they signed Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Xabi Alonso, and Karim Benzema in the summer of 2009, per Transfermarkt.

Mario Balotelli involved in terrifying car crash days after declaring himself Italy's best striker

Football

Pellegrini would go on to enjoy success with Malaga. He spent three years with La Rosaleda and brought one of their most successful spells.

He went on to coach Manchester City, where he won a Premier League title.

Pellegrini on his time at Real Madrid

Speaking ahead of Real Betis clash with Real Madrid Pellegrini gave details about his time at Real Madrid. He said problems started even before the season started, and he wanted to leave. He had issues with president Florentino Perez.

"I had a difference with him at the beginning of the season. I even offered to leave at that time. It didn’t happen. The season passed and I knew I was out of Madrid whether or not I won the title,” via Football Espana.

He stated that an injury to Ronaldo and a costly narrow defeat to Barcelona cost them the title, which they lost by three points. He added the problems with Perez made success impossible.

Xavi Questions Mentality of Barcelona Players After Frustrating Draw vs Rayo Vallecano

Football

"Without that defeat we would’ve be champions. The team had overcome many things, it was an unbalanced team. And it was the best Barcelona in history. It hurt me a lot not to win that title. There was no relationship with the board.”

Jose Mourinho took over from Pellegrini and won one league title in three years.

Exciting news! We have a WhatsApp channel 🤩

➡️ Click to join our channel for all your favourite sports news.

Real Betis annual ritual

Sports Brief earlier reported on Real Betis' Christmas tradition involves the club's efforts to provide presents for underprivileged kids.

Fans attending the final home game before Christmas are encouraged to bring cuddly toys and plushies — no larger than 35cm and without batteries.

These items are tossed from the stands to the pitch or placed in blankets for volunteers to collect during halftime.