The debate surrounding a perceived decline in La Liga’s prestige has gained a prominent voice. Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini, drawing on years of experience coaching in Spain, didn’t shy away from addressing the discussion.
And with just four matchdays remaining before a major international tournament, the Chilean coach went further, identifying the best national team in the world today.
Speaking with Radio Marca on the program La Pizarra, the Real Betis manager offered a structural perspective on the current state of Spanish football. According to Pellegrini, the analysis can’t be limited to television spectacle or constant comparisons with the Premier League.
“We find two ways to seem at it. First, I believe that Spain, at this moment, has the best national team in the world. Not only for the eleven players who are playing, but also for those who can be on the bench”, he stated.
“In Spain, the best football is played from a technical point of view. English football may be more attractive, more of a spectacle, more back and forth, more players dedicated to playing”, he added.
This assessment is significant. Pellegrini doesn’t just value individual talent, but also the depth of the squad and the technical richness as a defining characteristic of Spanish football’s current strength. This depth could prove crucial as teams navigate challenging schedules and potential injuries.
Yet, the former Real Madrid and Manchester City manager also acknowledged areas for improvement. While he highlighted the guaranteed footballing quality, he pointed to a require for greater entertainment value.
“I believe that LaLiga has more than enough football quality, now it lacks spectacle, in the sense of not deceiving, of playing for longer, of not just being results-oriented, but also being an attractive activity through the game itself”, he noted.
