Pellegrini agrees with Enzo Maresca complaints after Betis get two days extra rest before Chelsea final | OneFootball

Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini says no team should get an advantage ahead of a cup final after his side were allowed to have their final La Liga match moved before the Conference League Final.

Betis were allowed to move their final match of the La Liga season against Valencia to Friday 23rd May by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), whilst fellow finalists Chelsea had to contend with an away trip to Nottingham Forest at 4pm on Sunday 25th May, two days later.

This led to complaints from Blues boss Enzo Maresca, who called the decision “not normal.” When asked if he agreed with his former assistants comments, Pellegrini supported the Italian’s frustrations.

“I read what Enzo said and I absolutely agree with him,” Pellegrini said. “Not because it’s Betis against Chelsea, I think in football you cannot give anyone an advantage to your rival.

“Of course they had a difficult game on Sunday in order to qualify for the Champions League, they did it so very happy for him.

“But it will not be an excuse, because you need to play three days after that game and during the whole season, especially when you’re in European competitions, you play Thursday, Sunday or Wednesday, Saturday.

“So I’m sure Chelsea will be recuperated and tomorrow will be a difficult team with one or two days less of rest, but it will be exactly the same level of difficulty.”

Pellegrini also spoke about the resurgence of Antony, with the Brazilian’s superb loan spell in Seville set to come to an end after the final. The Chilean says the on-loan Manchester United winger can be proud of what he has achieved in his short time in Spain.

“I think I can be proud of it but Antony did all the work to do it. I spoke with him before he came to Betis, he told me he was not playing because he was not happy but he had a lot of complaints about what he’d done so he wanted revenge.

“Here in Betis, I think he’s done it in a way we know he could do it because it’s not easy for you to pay £100 million for a player. Antony is a very good player and I’m absolutely sure that this time in Betis has improved his career.”