Isco surprises Pellegrini: from playing 30 minutes to stringing together starts with Betis

Real Betis Balompié

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Manuel Pellegrini had set out a cautious game plan. After the first matchday, he said Isco was good for around 30 minutes, aware of the need to manage his workload despite the work the player had done during pre-season.

Just over a month later, the picture is very different. The midfielder has been able to string together starts even with games separated by just three days and, so far, he has responded physically to that demand. His continued availability is good news for a Pellegrini who knows how much influence the Malaga native has on the play of the Betis.

That does not mean rotations will disappear. The coaching staff wants to keep managing his efforts to ensure he remains available throughout the campaign, especially with a calendar that will once again demand a lot from the verdiblanco side.

The current break gives Isco another chance to work on his physical condition and increase the intensity. The clash against Osasuna next Sunday looks like his next target, with options to return to the starting XI.

Ceballos and Lo Celso, possible allies to manage Isco's minutes

After that will come a run of fixtures every three days, with matches of the highest intensity against opponents such as Porto or Barcelona. That stretch will be used to see how Isco responds to the accumulation of minutes and how Pellegrini handles his presence in the team.

The coach is also looking for players who can take on creative responsibilities to make that management easier. Dani Ceballos is emerging as an alternative thanks to his ability to direct the game, while Betis continues to wait for a more decisive version of Lo Celso in the final stretch.

November will bring opportunities to share the spotlight among the different pieces of the squad. Isco, after overcoming the caution with which he began the season, also wants to keep his share of minutes.