Pellegrini: Propose Introducing Backcourt Violation Rule; No Backpass After Ball Crosses Halfway Line
In the post-match press conference after leading Real Betis to victory over Lyon in the Europa League, manager Manuel Pellegrini not only commented on his players' performance, emphasized the importance of the three points, and avoided questions about his pending contract extension, but also put forward a significant proposal that could completely change the landscape of modern football.
Summary of Betis' Performance in the Match
"We delivered an extremely solid team performance. The opponent barely posed a threat to our goal, nor did they create good attacking opportunities—considering this team had won three consecutive games in Europe without conceding a goal before. Overall, it was a very perfect match."
Pellegrini on Team Performance
"Our team operated very smoothly. We successfully won back possession multiple times in the first half and intercepted four of the opponent's dangerous attacks, but we were a bit impetuous in the final finish. With two goals scored, the game rhythm returned to normal. In the second half, we controlled the situation calmly and continued to seek a third goal. In general, I am very satisfied with the form and performance we showed today, and I hope we can continue this momentum."
On the Unbeaten Run in European Competitions This Season
"We have two crucial home games ahead: first against the strong Olympiacos in this round, followed by Utrecht. If we win the next round, we will accumulate enough points to secure qualification in advance. Let's wait and see. The current priority is to take all three points at home against Utrecht."
On Antony and Abde
"These two players are in an important growth stage, so we have reduced the frequency of rotations. The players have adapted well to playing consecutively on Thursdays and Sundays. They not only maintain an inspired state but also continue to score goals. What makes me even more pleased is the overall coordination of the team—even if we rotate six to seven players, the team can still maintain its original level."
Ruibal Equals Joaquín's European Appearance Record
"He is an indispensable core of the team, which is why he is one of the captains. I often joke that he can play the 'Aitor position'—no specific position description is needed; he can perfectly adapt to left-back, right-back, winger, or second striker. This versatile player from the youth academy has excellent football intelligence, and both he and Marc Roca delivered top-level performances in this match."
Views on FIFA's Proposed Offside Rule Revision
"This is a difficult issue to comment on simply. I think the current offside rule is reasonable, and the use of VAR technology has greatly reduced the possibility of wrong decisions. Now discussing whether to focus on the torso or other body parts... I think this will only create more troubles."
He then put forward an innovative idea drawing on basketball's backcourt violation rule:
"I think we can revise other rules to enhance the entertainment value of the game, such as prohibiting backpasses to the own half after the ball crosses the halfway line. This will create a more dynamic offensive and defensive rhythm. Although it ultimately requires expert demonstration, the current offside rule itself will not hinder the development of football. We must make the game more exciting and intense, which requires teams to press the opponent's penalty area more continuously."
The Chilean coach also clarified his coaching vision mentioned in a previous exclusive interview with Camel Live, where he said he hoped to coach for at least another five years and might lead a team in the 2030 World Cup:
"Regarding the future at Betis, we will clarify it at the appropriate time. I have emphasized many times that I do not want the focus to be on myself; the club is the most important. The current top priority is to win today's game and then fully prepare for the three-point battle against Valencia."
"The contract extension issue will naturally be resolved at the right time in the future, but it is difficult to make specific comments on it now. I have always emphasized that coaching the Chilean national team in the World Cup is a career aspiration, not only because of national feelings but also the unique charm of the World Cup—but this does not mean I am closer to Chile and distant from Betis, and vice versa."
