Real Betis manager devises strategy to stop Barcelona superstar: ‘Shut down the passes’

Real Betis manager devises strategy to stop Barcelona superstar: ‘Shut down the passes’ Barcelona will face one of their toughest challenges of the season so far as they lock horns with Real Betis at La Cartuja tomorrow – a game where the team could shatter yet another record . It will be a tough contest against a team that has enjoyed a brilliant start to the season, with six wins in eight matches and are ahead of Real Madrid in the league table. Speaking ahead of the Barcelona match, coach Manuel Pellegrini talked about the Catalans as well as certain individuals such as Lamine Yamal and Anthony Gordon. Pellegrini on facing Barcelona The veteran Chilean began by assessing his side’s mood and the threat posed by the league leaders. Betis are enjoying a wonderful start to the season. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) “I see the team in a very good mental state. We were coming off a long break and it was important not to fall behind in La Liga,” he said (h/t AS ). “We played a great match in the Champions League and we’ll see which players are in the best form to start this game. We’re trying to maintain our squad strength and remain competitive in all competitions.” He is under no illusions about the challenge of stopping a free-scoring Barcelona side. “Playing against Barcelona is difficult; they have a very high finishing ability. We have to be very focused throughout the match and convert the chances we get.” Pellegrini insisted his team will stay true to their principles in pursuit of all three points. “These are difficult matches to assess. Mistakes are punished with goals, but we must maintain our style of play. We will go for the three points; if we don’t get them, it will be because they outplayed us ,” he added. On Lamine Yamal, Flick and shutting down Barcelona’s threats Pellegrini is aware of the threat posed by Yamal and Gordon. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images) The Betis boss was also asked about Barcelona’s talisman and his growing repertoire of tricks. “There are different ways to use the tools. Lamine is in great form; it’s just another play within his skill set. He’s a great player and has many other qualities ,” he said. Pellegrini was also asked about the best coaches in the league, as he, too, has been praised for leading Betis to a great start to the season. “I don’t know Flick well enough to say if we’re similar or not. All this Big Data stuff and so on… we have access to it and the important thing is how to use that information and get it to the players,” he said. Finally, he offered a simple theory on how to contain the likes of Yamal and Gordon. “Shut down the passes… It’s not always possible, but we’ll try,” he concluded.