FCBARCELONA.CAT

04.11.2007 10:54

New style Betis continue to struggle

Jordi Clos

After avoiding the drop in almost miraculous fashion for two seasons, Betis, in their centenary year, are now in the hands of a manager who is used to getting results: Héctor Cúper.

The Argentinian is very different to his predecessors. Víctor Fernández, Llorenç Serra Ferrer and Frenchman Luís Fernández have all been at the helm of the Seville based club in the last five years, some with more luck than others, but always with the desire to play entertaining football.

Poor placings in the last two seasons have led Betis to opt for a very different manager this term. The former boss of the likes of Mallorca Inter Milan has based his team around a solid defence.

New signings not starting

Betis have one of the most balanced squads of recent seasons, having made seven prestigious international signings. Tight tactics have been compensated by the arrival of tried and tested international figures, such as Chilean Mark González. But only goalkeeper Ricardo is getting a regular game. The rest of the team form part of something of an old guard.

More of the same

Despite the change of philosophy, Betis are still struggling in the lower half of the table, currently seventeenth, on the same points as Getafe, who are in the relegation zone. They have simply not managed to get any kind of decent form together, and have only won one of their matches, at home to Mallorca (3-0). Other than that, all they have achieved are 5 draws and 4 defeats.

Unhappy fans

The 3-0 defeat at home to Osasuna on Wednesday was a particularly harsh blow to the Betis faithful. The crowd at the Manuel Ruiz de Lopera booed the players off the pitch, with none of the serenity, ambition or attitude sought by Héctor Cúper managing to convince the fans about their team.

The Argentinian’s job has been pronounced secure by the Betis board, but there is no doubt that questions are being asked, and tonight’s game is of particular importance. After the Osasuna debacle, anything but a good performance could see those in charge of Betis ringing the changes very soon.