Pellegrini reveals what brought Isco back to his best

Real Betis are once again enjoying an Isco Alarcón without the physical limitations that marked his last few months. Manuel Pellegrini has explained that the Malaga midfielder is already able to play without pain, a situation that allows him to train normally and build up minutes in a more consistent way.

The recovery has special value for Isco Alarcón, who started to think he might never play again in these conditions. In three seasons, he missed 498 days through injury and went under the knife several times. During that period, he also went through moments when he felt he might lose his love for football, although he credited the Real Betis with decisive help in keeping him from giving up.

The player has left behind the months when he had to play while hampered by pain and fear of a relapse. In some matches, he even needed injections in order to compete. According to Pellegrini, that situation is now a thing of the past.

Pellegrini celebrates his return to normality

Asked about the player's performance, the verdiblanco coach highlighted the relief of seeing him increasingly in form, although he insisted he never doubted his quality. The main uncertainty was linked to how his injury would evolve and whether he would be able to train and play without discomfort.

"The level of Isco one is something you cannot not expect. The problem was that he was hoping his injury would settle, which is what was bothering him and not allowing him to train normally. Playing with pain is complicated, and getting injections before every match so as to avoid that pain was very difficult for him to maintain a campaign like that. Luckily, now he no longer needs it. The pain is gone and we are still seeing the quality he has, but now in a more consistent way and with more minutes"

Isco's impact is also reflected in his numbers. The Malaga player is currently Real Betis' top scorer with four goals and an assist. He has also taken part in all three of the team's Champions League wins and was especially decisive with his double against Osasuna.

After his brilliant performance against Porto, the player himself once again asserted his determination to keep competing despite the obstacles of the past few years.

“I'm very stubborn. They've written me off many times, but I refuse. I want to keep fighting, enjoying what I am most passionate about, and as long as I have energy and they respect the pains, I'm going to keep going”