Chilean Manuel Pellegrini, coach of Real Betis, commented on a “controversial” incident involving Moroccan star Abdel Samad Zelzouli (22), during the team’s last match in the Spanish “La Liga” championship against Espanyol.
The match, which took place on Sunday September 29, took place at the Betis stadium “Benito Villamarin” and ended with the victory of the Andalusian team with a clear goal scored by the Argentinian Giovani Lo Celso at the 85th minute.
The confrontation saw a penalty awarded to Real Betis after an intervention on Al Zalzouli before the end of the first half. While Lo Celso was expected to take the kick-off, the latter decided to give the opportunity to his Moroccan counterpart. But goalkeeper Juan Garcia managed to block the kick, which sparked controversy.
Pellegrini seemed angry at Zalzoulli’s decision to take the spot-kick, in the presence of specialist Lo Celso, and he said after the match: “I didn’t like it…Lo Celso made a mistake.” »
The Chilean coach explained that Lo Celso is the team’s main penalty taker and that he chose to let Zalzouli take the spot-kick, before adding: “I assure you this will not happen again.” »
Pellegrini said he did not discuss the penalty taken between the two halves so as not to affect the psychological state of the players.
As for Zalzouli’s performance, he expressed his satisfaction, saying: “I’m happy for him. He deserved the applause of the supporters today. (The penalty) is the result of his lack of experience, but he is improving considerably mentally and he offers us a lot.
