Pellegrini's Decision on Zalzouli at Betis
Manuel Pellegrini, the coach of Real Betis, opted not to include Moroccan international Abdessamad Zalzouli in the starting lineup for their recent match against Osasuna, which ended in a 2-1 victory for Betis in La Liga's 10th round. Pellegrini explained that he chose to keep Zalzouli on the bench to avoid any injury risks, following his substantial playtime at the beginning of the season and his recent participation with the Moroccan national team.
Before the match, Pellegrini expressed his hopes of playing without Zalzouli, mentioning that the player had already participated in two international fixtures and had limited preparation time prior to the season. He aimed to prevent similar circumstances that led to injuries for other players in the squad.
Reportedly, there are clubs in La Liga interested in acquiring Zalzouli on loan during the upcoming winter transfer window. However, Pellegrini is resistant to letting him go, considering Zalzouli's importance to the team, especially with his improving performance this season.
This season, Zalzouli has made 13 appearances for Betis, netting 3 goals and providing 1 assist, establishing himself as a significant threat to opposing defenses. His contract with Real Betis runs until the summer of 2028, making him a key asset for the team following his stints at Barcelona and Osasuna.
Additionally, the Moroccan player has 19 caps for the national team, scoring 2 goals and contributing to the Olympic team that secured a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
