Pellegrini defends Abde after controversy

Manuel Pellegrini addressed the controversy surrounding Abdessamad Ezzalzouli this Wednesday following the match between Villarreal and Real Betis. The coach of the Andalusian club defended the Moroccan international while calling for a separation between football and political considerations.

Asked at a press conference before the match against Getafe, the Chilean coach confirmed that he had spoken with his player. “I spoke with Abdessamad, as I do with all the players. It’s a topic that is not easy, but I think Abde gave a very important response,” Pellegrini explained, before sharing his view on the role of football.

“Politics divides, football unites,” declared the Betis coach. For Pellegrini, football should remain a space capable of bringing supporters together beyond their opinions and should not become a source of division. He believes that political debates should remain the domain of those who carry them, while sport should continue to promote closeness.

This statement comes a day after Abde’s announcement. After wearing, like his Betis teammates and the Villarreal players, a jersey displaying a message of support for the people of Ceuta, the Lion of the Atlas emphasized that his gesture had, in his view, no political significance and was not intended to disrespect Morocco. He also reaffirmed his attachment to his roots and his desire to continue representing them “with pride and sacrifice.”