José Manuel Pinto put in a fine performance last night against Betis, making at least five great stops and this lunchtime he admitted: “I’m proud and happy about how I did”.
Pinto’s figures could hardly be better with just two goals conceded – one against Ceuta
and another in San Mames - in his seven appearances this season and he told reporters this
afternoon: “I feel good. It’s important to keep a clean sheet, especially in two-legged
ties. It’s good for my confidence and it shows how well the team defended”.
Betis
Although
they left with a 5-0 beating to show for their trouble, Pinto was quick to praise Betis:
“they are one of the teams who have made thing most difficult for us. They came out prepared
to give it a go and they made plenty of chances. We now have a good result, that’s
undeniable, but football shows that you can never take anything for granted”.
Pinto also expressed his desire to play in the return game in Seville, explaining:
“I’ve got a lot of friends there. I was there for five years and it’s very close
to where I was born in Puerto de Santa Maria”
Contract renewal
Pinto, whose contract runs out on June 30th, also told reporters he was not worried about any
renewal: “every year since I came here I’ve finished my contract in the summer and
I’ve been here for three and a half years now. I’m just focussed on every day that
comes along and it’s the boss who’ll make a decision. I’m very happy here and
I’d like to stay, but right now it’s not something I’m worrying about”.
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Afellay
José Manuel Pinto also spoke about his newest teammate, Ibrahim Afellay. “he’s very
excited by it all. He’s picked up Spanish really quickly, which is important, communication
is key. It was really nice the way the fans greeted him and that kind of reception always gives you
more strength.