‘That’s what they’re showing’… Manuel Pellegrini opines on whether Barcelona is the best team in the world | OneFootball

Following a 0-1 victory over Atletico Madrid, that secured their place in the final of the Copa del Rey, FC Barcelona are set to return to action tomorrow, on Saturday, as they face one of the high-flying teams in La Liga, Real Betis, at Montjuic.

There is no doubt that this is a crucial game for the Blaugranes, as the Verdiblancos will be looking to maintain their winning run, with Real Madrid only three points behind them on the league table.

Still, with the players they have and the form they have shown so far, the Catalans are the favourites going into this game. In fact, as Mundo Deportivo has reported, the Real Betis head coach, Manuel Pellegrini, also recognised Barcelona as the best team in the world as he addressed a presser ahead of this game.

The Spanish tactician was asked whether the Blaugrana team is currently the best in the world, to which he replied:

“That’s what they’re showing, both through their play and their points tally — in La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey. But on the other hand, teams like Leganés and Las Palmas have managed to take points from them, and Atlético has scored seven or eight goals against them in three matches.

I believe that, knowing we’re up against a great team, we shouldn’t go in feeling inferior. We have to go out and play, just like we did here when we drew 2-2 and had countless chances to beat such a strong opponent. Every match is different, the moments are different, and we’ll see what this one brings us.”

Pellegrini went on to praise one particular player from this Barcelona squad, Lamine Yamal:

“Lamine Yamal is a player who makes the difference, and what’s more, he’s extraordinarily young and mature for his age. He’s showing his ability in every match, so we have to try to find a way to neutralize the influence he has on his team.

But without a doubt, both he and many other Barcelona players are going through a very good moment, so we have to try to be the same Betis as always, keeping in mind that we’re up against players like Lamine Yamal, or Lewandowski with his goal-scoring ability, or Raphinha, and all the game-changing players Barcelona has.”

There is no doubt that the presence of these players can turn the tie in the favour of the Blaugrana team. Still, as Pellegrini highlighted, his team will still have a chance to get a result from this game, which only makes tomorrow’s match even more interesting.