Lotina: We are ready for Betis
Villarreal boss Miguel Ángel Lotina believes his players are mentally ready for Sunday’s vital clash with Real Betis at the Benito Villamarín.
The Yellow Submarine are currently in 17th place, four points above the relegation zone and three points behind Pepe Mel’s Béticos, and Lotina has asked his charges to forget the other teams down near the bottom and concentrate on their own performance.
“We have to think about winning ourselves and not worry excessively about other teams," insisted the experienced Lotina. "I’m not going to set targets because the story changes every Sunday. The most important game right now is Betis and we will try to take all three points.
“Mentally we are ready to play well and win what is an important match, the same as all the others that are left,” he continued. “Betis are very strong up front, although they played more on the counter-attack against Málaga.”
Lotina will be boosted by the news that he will have Brazilian striker Nilmar back after he missed last week’s 0-0 home draw with Espanyol due to a leg injury, as well as defender José Catalá who has recovered from a knee problem. The bad news is that Colombian defender Cristián Zapata will miss the game through suspension.
“Nilmar has tremendous ability and the team needs his talent,” said Lotina. “He is very important to us and I have every confidence in him. We are hoping his return will give us a permanent lift.”
The list of 19 players selected for the trip to Andalusia is: Diego López, César, Gonzalo, Musacchio, Catalá, Mario, Joan Oriol, Ángel, Marchena, Bruno, Marcos Senna, Borja Valero, De Guzmán, Hernán Pérez, Cani, Camuñas, Marco Ruben, Nilmar and Martinuccio.
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