Baptistao: I have no regrets about coming to Betis

[Verdiblanco de Holanda]

Leo Baptistao admitted that Monday’s defeat against Málaga was soul-destroying, but insists that whilst there’s still a glimmer of hope for Real Betis, they’ll keep battling against their seemingly inevitable relegation from the Primera. He also explained that he has absolutely no regrets about his loan move.

At a press call on Wednesday, on-loan Atlético Madrid forward Leo Baptistao explained that losing against Málaga in their last match, wasn’t just difficult for the Betis players to accept, it was also very hard to explain just how it came about.

“We’re still frustrated by the defeat, but we’ve already spoken about it, we’ve lifted our heads back up and we still believe. We can have good games, win them and still believe we can survive.”

“All my team-mates and I are sad about the result. When the final whistle blew, we couldn’t believe we’d lost the three points. We needed the win and looking at how the defeat game, it really does affect us.”

“I don’t know how to explain it, or what happened. We shouldn’t have lost the game, but this season everything is happening. Injuries, controversies, all kinds of things.”

Despite the dismal situation and the seemingly certain slide to the Segunda awaiting Real Betis, Baptistao highlighted how fantastic the supporters have been.

“The fans here are incredible. They’re always there with the team and they demonstrate they’re loyalty in more than just words. They show enthusiasm, they suffer with us and they’re always animated. I’ve never seen any fans like them, given the situation the team is in.”

No matter how gloomy the future in the Primera looks for Betis, Baptistao remains upbeat and positive that whilst still mathematically possible, the team will keep battling for their future.

“It’s going to be difficult, but not impossible and we’re having good games. We now have a compact team that creates good chances, gets forward well and yes, it will be difficult for us, but not impossible.”

The next challenge awaiting Betis, is their trip to the Camp Nou on Saturday. Baptistao maintains that even given the difficulty his team will face against Barcelona, they only have thoughts of winning three points.

“We’ll go there with the intention of playing well and trying to win. We’ll have to show intensity, go out there to fight with enthusiasm and determination.”

He also doesn’t see the loss of Gerard Piqué through injury, as being something that will put a dent in the defensive strengths of Barca.

“With Piqué out injured, sure it’s a bonus for us, but whoever his replacement is, they’ll also be very good. There’s Bartra and Mascherano, so I hardly think they’ve got any problems replacing Piqué.”

Many eyebrows were raised when Baptistao opted for the loan move to Betis, with other clubs in much safer positions expressed an interest. He has no regrets about his decision, explaining that it’s more than just a great learning experience.

“I have no regrets about coming to Betis, because I’m learning so much from my team-mates here and the fans. I’ve played in derby matches, in Europe and I have absolutely no regrets about that. In fact, I wouldn’t have any problems playing here in the Segunda. I’m very happy here, I have the confidence of everyone at the club and there are no problems.”

Finally and with the critical suggestion that playing in the Segunda should as expected, Betis go down, is something that in reality Baptistao won’t be a part of, he simply pointed out that it’s up to the press however they want to take his comments, believing himself to be sincere with his thoughts and words.

“Everyone can think whatever they want to, but I’m here suffering with my team-mates, in a situation nobody wants. Everyone can think what they want, or make their own conclusions.”

[Verdiblanco de Holanda]

Re: Baptistao: I have no regrets about coming to Betis

Baptistão: "No problem would continue even in Second"

Leo Baptistão , Real Betis striker has been the star of the day at the press conference to the media after the first team training held in Luis del Sol Sports City, the first of the week to prepare Saturday's match against Barcelona at the Camp Nou . Baptistão has been questioned as it is sorry to have come to Betis to fight to avoid relegation from the Athletic, fighting for everything in the Champions League and replied that "I'm not sorry for anything , I'm living an amazing experience with the mates, the fans, have played important derby games, also in Russia ... I do not regret. " And asked if I repeat assignment next season, either in First or Second Division, Baptistão has said that "I would have no problem even in second. I have the confidence of the people in the club and if Atleti not want me, I would not care to stay here. "

Speaking of the match against Malaga , Baptistão, who wept after the meeting once the referee blew the final whistle, said that "for me and my colleagues, when he gave the referee the final whistle any thought that we were the three points had won at the last minute. Tomorrow will see the video and we'll match failures Monday and we had and why we left the party. Neither I know explain to go 1-0 up after 80 minutes ... it would not have gone the game. This year It's going around, bats, controversial, balls not falling ... We are suffering a lot, it is a situation that nobody wanted, "he said.

As for hopes to keep the category, Baptistão warned that "we are still a bit touched in Monday's loss. Already reared its head, and we can do that are good matches and win them. It is still possible, even what we think. To win five games? It is difficult, but not impossible. We have been doing very good games against Levante, on Monday, we did an incredible game, but we were out in the end ... we are a compact, created chances, we just need to materialize and earn points. "

Speaking of Saturday's game against Barcelona and seeing what Atletico Madrid did yesterday in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Champions League, Baptistão said that "we will fight to try to make a good game and bring a good result, if you can be a better point. must be intense, go fight and eager. Without Piqué? Piqué who is not a world power, comes good. But replacing it, or it will Mascherano Bartra is very good too. "

Chapter deserves the hobby of Betis, which Baptistão raves: "It's amazing, is always with the team, they want much to Betis. They put great enthusiasm and are always encouraging regardless of how the team is . It is appreciated. As the fans of Betis and seeing the situation in which the team is, it is never so. I've been in the Ray and also has a very loyal fans, but what we are experiencing here is awesome, "concluded Leo Baptistão.